Not long after Vernon was chartered as the seat of government for southern Indiana’s Jennings County in 1817, growth skipped north of town and has continued moving in that direction ever since. That has left Vernon, population 300, with the distinction of being the smallest town in Indiana with a …

Salem, the Washington County seat with about 6,200 residents, still celebrates its history as a rail hub. But its leaders hope you’ll find many other reasons to chug into their town these days. One attraction is the Smithsonian's "Crossroads: Change in Rural America" exhibit, which will be at The Depot from Oct. 26 through Dec. 5.

DILLSBORO, Ind.—It was a happy accident that allowed this small Indiana town to make a big splash. Developers were certain they were going to strike it rich with oil or gas when they began drilling here in the early 1900s, about 40 miles west of Cincinnati. That dream never came …