The town's name came from the Potawatomi word for "catfish."[6] It was selected as the county seat in 1839.[7] Winamac was incorporated as a town in 1868.[8]
The Winamac post office has been in operation since 1839.[9]
In June 1877, the Winamac Gas and Oil company began drilling near th Tippecanoe River. Instead of oil, they discovered a water vein at 264 feet below the ground. In the following years, demand for the well's water created a small industry within the community, and local boys ventured to earn money by delivering this water to homes. During this time, the water was marketed as containing healing properties. Interest in the well had died down by the end of the 19th century. By 1920, the well had fallen victim to vandalism and decay, and was subsequently repaired. Unfortunately, the well's water pressure was later compromised by other local projects, causing it to dry up. It was capped, and an informational plaque was dedicated to the well on the 100th anniversary of its drilling. Today, it stands as a reminder of local history on the west side of the town park.
The Winamac Town Park is home to a large suspension bridge over the Tippecanoe River. This bridge was dedicated on July 4, 1923, in honor of soldiers and sailors from the Civil War onward. It has since been a popular local attraction, serving as the subject of many greeting cards and photoshoots since its dedication.
In 2020, the "Light Up Our Legacy Project"[13] began, hoping to raise money to install LED lights on the bridge. The goal was reached, and the bridge underwent renovations through early spring of 2023, with the goal of unveiling the lights on July 4, 2023.
Geography
According to the 2010 census, Winamac has a total area of 1.36 square miles (3.52 km2), all land.[14]
Climate
Climate data for Winamac, Indiana (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1897–1906, 1918–present)
As of the census[18] of 2010, there were 2,490 people, 1,028 households, and 617 families living in the town. The population density was 1,830.9 inhabitants per square mile (706.9/km2). There were 1,140 housing units at an average density of 838.2 units per square mile (323.6 units/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.2% White, 0.5% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.3% of the population.
There were 1,028 households, of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.8% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.0% were non-families. 36.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.97.
The median age in the town was 38.8 years. 23.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.2% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 16.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.
2000 census
As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 2,418 people, 988 households, and 607 families living in the town. The population density was 1,872.5 inhabitants per square mile (723.0/km2). There were 1,079 housing units at an average density of 835.6 units per square mile (322.6 units/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.39% White, 0.70% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.17% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.28% of the population.
There were 988 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.5% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.6% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 21.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.1 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $31,413, and the median income for a family was $43,824. Males had a median income of $29,667 versus $22,461 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,447. About 5.3% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.9% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.
