Inquiry Project # 3

Rockport is located at the Southern tip of the state of Indiana it borders the state of Kentucky. Rockport currently has a population of 2,160 residents as of the January 2009 census count. Rockport is a small quaint town which is mainly known for the short residence and flatboat landing of Americas 16th President Abraham Lincoln, along with some significant landmarks as well.

Area employers consist of AK Steel, AEP Power Plant, the independent farmers and independent business people of the area

The agriculture in the community consists primarily of farm land and livestock. The farmers raise corn, soybeans, winter wheat, some tobacco.

The livestock consists of cattle and pigs. The average homeowner in the county

raises a garden for their family. On Friday mornings at the courthouse there

is always a farmer’s market.

Rockport Elementary:

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Luce Elementary is located in Richland, Indiana, is a Title 1 funded school with a population of approximately 260 students. The school houses grades k-5. The school has an award winning nature centre. Some of the curricular programs that are implemented are Renaissance, Four Block frame work and Write Traits.

The recreation in Rockport is very limited as far

as “places to go .” One place that has been a mainstay in the community is the Rockport

City Pool. Most children in the community are involved in extracurricular school activities orsome type of soccer or softball league.

Located in the heart of Rockport, is the Lincoln Pioneer Village which was created in the 1930’s. The village goes beyond static displays to retell Spencer County’s history and its ties to Abraham Lincoln. There are live events, dramas, and encampments. The season runs from Memorial Day to early October. There are summer hours, and tours for groups by appointment. www.lincolnpioneervillage.org.

The library is located in the heart of Rockport. Materials are available from comedy, video entertainment, educational, fiction, non-fiction and a wonderful children’s library. The children’s library has age level appropriate story centered times which includes hands on activities and also has many celebrations and activities for the children on a regular basis. The library was once named the Richard Carnegie Library.

These landmarks/benchmarks which are known to fellow geogacher’s are relevant to the Rockport area.

The Site of the Rockport Tavern were Abraham Lincoln was a guest in the year of 1844.

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The Spencer County Courthouse was erected in the early 1800’s. This is where Abraham Lincoln gave a speech to promote Henry Clay as a presidential candidate in 1844. The court house is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the town. The floors, walls, and stairs are made of marble. Many balls are still held there today that commorate past events, such as Lincoln Days and Pioneer Days.

This park is located at the end of Main Street in Rockport. There is a newly paved road, park benches and a beautiful rock cave to climb up to and sit in a watch the river. This is an absolutely beautiful spot!! On any given day, you will see people sitting at the picnic tables having lunch, people walking for exercise along the river road or people just sitting back enjoying the scenery!

Rockport is a small town. Like most small towns it has its drawbacks of having a lack of recreation and dinning choices, but has a quiet unique charm indeed! Children learn to play outside and investigate the world around them and get to know their neighbors!! It my be small town America, but it is HOME nontheless!

Our communities richest and deepest beauty is not reflected in the places or landmarks, but by its people. We are a warm and welcoming community, one in which neighbors really do care for one another!! Rockport, Indiana located in Spencer County is a great place to call home!

THE END!!!