Upland in Grant County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Gas Boom

Photographed by Craig Doda, January 28, 2023

1. The Gas Boom Marker

Inscription.
In 1888, natural gas deposits were discovered on the farm of Jacob Bugher, Upland's founder. This discovery ushered in Upland's participation in the central Indiana Gas Boom, an era of rapid growth and prosperity that involved the area between Kokomo, Hartford City, Noblesville, and Muncie. The gas wells of Grant County had the largest average capacity in the state and produced around five million cubic feet of gas each per day. Free gas and land were offered to industries willing to build in Upland. Many industries took advantage of this offer, including the glass factories and Taylor University. Family homes were provided with gas-powered heat and light for $4 to $12 annually, with a discount for widows and churches. Streets were improved, a system of street lights was installed, and running water and electricity were made available. The town of Upland was incorporated October 17, 1893. By 1903, Upland had an estimated population of over 4,000 people.

After 1905, the gas wells began to fail as the deposits ran out. An economic depression known as the Panic of 1907 increased financial hardships for local industry,

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officially ending the boom and a very colorful period in the history of Upland.

Erected by Upland Board of Parks and Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is October 17, 1893.

Location. 40° 28.444′ N, 85° 29.688′ W. Marker is in Upland, Indiana, in Grant County. It is on Railroad Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 29 Railroad Street, Upland IN 46989, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Railroad and Prosperity (here, next to this marker); Main Street (here, next to this marker); Taylor University

Photographed by Craig Doda, January 28, 2023

2. The Gas Boom Marker

(here, next to this marker); Churches and Schools (here, next to this marker); Early Industries in Upland (here, next to this marker); The Settling of Upland (here, next to this marker); The Upland Depot (here, next to this marker); Thaddeus Reade (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Upland.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 951 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 30, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.