Porter County celebrates 190 years of history, growth, and community

It’s 2026, which officially marks the 190th birthday of Porter County. The county has a rich history that dates back nearly two centuries.

“Porter County’s story officially began on February 1, 1836, the date designated by Governor Noah Noble through an official act by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana,” said Kevin Pazour, executive director of Porter County Museum. “The legislation established the county’s boundaries, authorized its first elections, and set the foundation for local government. 

Named in honor of War of 1812 naval hero David Porter, Porter County is now celebrating 190 years of history, growth, and community in 2026.

“Before Porter County could be formed, the United States needed to purchase the land from the Native American tribes that held interest in the land,” said Westchester Township History Museum Curator Serena Ard. “In 1826 and 1832, several treaties saw the U.S. purchasing all the lands in Northwest Indiana from the Potawatomi and the Miami. Until 1832, today’s Porter County was part of St. Joseph County.”

Joseph Bailly, who played a significant role in developing Porter County, made his first Porter County land purchase in 1830.

“The first towns in Porter County were actually platted and filed in La Porte County, including Baillytown, named after Joseph Bailly, and the town of Waverly,” said Ard. “In 1835, La Porte County divided all of its land west of today’s county line into three townships: Waverly (northern half of Porter County), Morgan (the south half), and Ross (essentially today’s Lake County) for election purposes. On January 28, 1836, the state assembly organized Porter County, and effective February 1, 1836, Porter County became a county independent of La Porte.”

That same year, a sheriff was appointed and organized an election for county offices. Shortly after, the first county commissioners meeting was held to establish townships and a county seat. What’s known today as Valparaiso, then known as Portersville, was chosen as the county seat.

Almost two centuries old, the last significant milestone that was celebrated by the county was its centennial celebration in 1936.

“Many events were planned for the centennial celebration during August 1936, including parades, dances, historical pageants, and more,” said Ard. “One of the events was the dedication of Hawthorn Park in Porter.”

Other celebratory events that year included a picnic lunch at Dunes State Park, multiple band concerts, church programs, diverse games and competitions, multi-evening theatrical performance of a play based on Porter County, and parades.

This year, as Porter County celebrates its 190th anniversary, local community and government members are very proud. Porter County Commissioner Barb Regnitz is heavily involved in the planning.

“It is my distinct pleasure to help lead the celebration for Porter County’s 190th birthday,” said Barb Regnitz. “It gives me great joy to honor the work of our forefathers and help continue that success.”

For Regnitz, organizing has prompted her to reflect on Porter County’s history.

“Our county was incorporated as the 64th county within the state of Indiana,” she said. “Throughout its history, we have watched it develop from a network of loosely affiliated trading posts into one of the biggest economic engines in Northwest Indiana. As we reflect on our local history, I am at once struck by both the incredible communities we have built and by the idea that the best days for Porter County lay not behind us but ahead.”

Learn more about Porter County, its history, and upcoming birthday celebrations here.