Cannelton: An Historic River Town founded in 1837

Cannelton has an incredibly rich heritage dating back to the early 1800’s as its founding as a company town for workers of the Cannel Coal Company (Cannelton’s namesake). Cannelton’s location along the Ohio River was also advantageous for early trade and commerce.

Cannelton’s downtown historic district encompasses much of the town, including houses, commercial buildings, churches, and the Cannelton Cotton Mill, a National Historic Landmark. Like the mill, many of the district’s structures, which date from 1837 to 1936, feature locally quarried honey-colored sandstone, a distinctive signature of the river town.

The Cannelton Cotton Mill constructed in 1847, was the largest structure west of the Allegheny Mountains at that time. This location was chosen because of the abundant supply of water and a nearby source for coal.

The City of Cannelton is located in Perry County in southern Indiana and is surrounded by the Hoosier National Forest. The area is rich in hunting, fishing, camping, and boating in the Ohio River. Historic buildings, native sandstone walls and friendly people make Downtown Cannelton a unique place to live, work and play. 

Cannelton is an Historic Sandstone Community

Many of Cannelton’s early residents were of German descent. Traditional European craftsmanship is evident in the many finely crafted sandstone buildings in the downtown historic district. St. Michael Catholic Church is an excellent example of this early craftsmanship. Much of the sandstone used in the buildings in the historic downtown was quarried from the nearby hillsides.  The craftsmanship is also visible in the significant historic structures and the retaining wall on the east side of 7th Street. Sandstone foundations are also used extensively on many older buildings in the downtown. 

Early Commerce Hub on the Ohio River

Cannelton started as a vital commerce hub on the Ohio River in the early 1800’s. Coal mining and the cotton mill combined with Cannelton’s location on the Ohio River provided much of the early prosperity. This early prosperity is evident in the many commercial properties remaining on Washington Street.

 Cannelton’s history as a vital commerce hub continued until the middle of the 20th century when the Perry County seat moved to Tell City. Cannelton remains an Ohio River community with significant historic treasures along the Ohio River National Scenic Byway (SR 66). 

One of the few Ohio River bridges between Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky is located on the south side of Cannelton. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Cannelton Lock and Dam is located several miles upstream from Cannelton.

Historic Destination on the Ohio River National Scenic Byway

Downtown Cannelton is located along State Route 66, part of the Ohio River National Scenic Byway. The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs 967 miles through three states. Cannelton is located in close proximity to the Ohio River crossing into Kentucky. Click here for more information on the Scenic Byway.

Renew Cannelton is working for a New Future

As is the fate with many historic downtown districts the threats are immense. Help support the efforts of Renew Cannelton to define and implement plans to redevelop our historic downtown.

We need your help, please consider joining as a member and/or making a donation to support our revitalization efforts.   

Make Plans to visit Historic Downtown Cannelton Indiana