Greene County is home to one of the largest wetland restoration sites in the United States — the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area. Spanning more than 9,000 acres of restored prairie and marshland, the nature preserve attracts more than 12,000 visitors annually for birdwatching, fishing, and hunting.

History across the trestle

Known as Indiana’s “most spectacular railroad bridge,” the Tulip Trestle stretches 2,295 feet across Greene County, connecting the towns of Solsberry and Tulip. Built in 1905 by Italian immigrants to transport coal, it was the longest rail trestle in the United States at the time and the third longest in the world. While passenger trains once traveled across the viaduct, that service was discontinued in 1948. Today, the Tulip Trestle remains in use as part of the Indiana Railroad line that runs from Newton, Illinois, to Indianapolis.

Big talent from a small town

Born in Linton in 1904, Phil Harris was an American entertainer best known for his role on “The Jack Benny Program” and for co-starring with his wife, actress and singer Alice Faye, on “The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show.” Harris was also a voice actor in classic animated films, lending his voice to Baloo in “The Jungle Book,” Thomas O’Malley in “The Aristocats,” and Little John in “Robin Hood.” Before his death in 1995, Harris and Faye donated their show business memorabilia to the Linton Public Library, which now features a commemorative collection honoring his legacy.

Indiana’s Independence Day tradition

Nearly 40,000 people visit Linton, Indiana, each year to celebrate the 4th of July during the city’s annual Linton Freedom Festival. This weeklong celebration at Humphrey Park includes a carnival, classic car show, flea market, golf tournament, 5K run, and more. The Linton Freedom Festival Parade, known as Indiana’s largest Independence Day parade, features festive floats and live music. Two 3- to 5-year-olds are crowned Miss Sparkler and Mr. Firecracker to represent their city in the parade.

County facts

Founded: 1821

Named for: Nathaniel Greene, a military officer in the Revolutionary War

Population: 30,803

County seat: Bloomfield

Indiana county number: 28

Nicole Thomas is a freelance writer from Indianapolis