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Oakland City was laid out by James W. Cockrum and Warrick
Hargrove in eastern Gibson County. The plat was filed
on January 15, 1856 and businesses began to open up later
that year. The first business to open was a blacksmith
shop which was started by Soloman Harris. The next
shop to open was a carriage and wagon shop opened in 1857 by
Franklin Rose. Several shops followed and by 1884
Oakland City had over 76 businesses and professional offices
and by 1885, a year later, that number had more than doubled
to 153. Education has also been a major part of Oakland
City's history even before the town was established.
The General Baptist denomination, which was organized in
1823, wanted to established a college in the area for the
purpose of training ministers. After several attempts
to start a university coupled with the persistent effort of
a committed group of individuals, in 1885 the State of
Indiana granted a charter for Oakland City College.
The first building was constructed in 1892. Today,
Oakland City University is rapidly growing and it's
expansion continues to attract future growth in our
City. Oakland City is poised to continue with a
progressive future. It is an exciting time to
live in Oakland City. Construction of
interstate 69 is due to be completed by 2012 and there will
be an exit ramp 1/2 a mile from our current city limits.
This exit will result in increased traffic, increased
business and increased housing in our area. Our city
has long standing roots and an optimistic future for further
growth. |
