French Lick, Indiana
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French Lick is a town located in Orange County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,941.
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History
PlutoSpring1903.jpg
French Lick was originally a French trading post. The town was founded in 1811.
The sulfur springs were commercially exploited for medical benefits starting in 1840. By the later half of the 19th century, French Lick was famous in the United States as a spa town. In the early 20th century it also featured casinos.
Pluto Water, a best selling laxative of the first half of the 20th century, was bottled here.
Larry Bird grew up in French Lick.
Geography
French Lick is located at 38°32'49" North, 86°37'8" West (38.546872, -86.618939)Template:GR. The area has rich mineral sources ("The Lick").
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 4.2 km² (1.6 mi²). 4.2 km² (1.6 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 1,941 people, 849 households, and 513 families residing in the town. The population density is 462.6/km² (1,196.3/mi²). There are 948 housing units at an average density of 225.9/km² (584.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 94.18% White, 3.66% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 1.24% from two or more races. 0.46% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 849 households out of which 25.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% are married couples living together, 12.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 39.5% are non-families. 35.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 18.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.21 and the average family size is 2.81.
In the town the population is spread out with 22.0% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $27,197, and the median income for a family is $36,583. Males have a median income of $26,046 versus $17,346 for females. The per capita income for the town is $15,113. 18.7% of the population and 11.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 33.7% of those under the age of 18 and 17.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
External links
- FrenchLick.com (http://www.frenchlick.com/) French Lick Resorts and Spa, commercial site with a short history of the town.
- Orange County worries about casino delays (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050221/NEWS01/502210350)