Butler is a city in DeKalb County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 2,684. Despite its small size, Butler has a rich history, a strong sense of community, and a notable presence in transportation history.
History
The city of Butler was established in 1856 when the railroad was extended to that point. It is believed to have been named after David Butler, a pioneer who contributed to the area's early development. The town was incorporated in 1866 and later achieved city status in 1903.
A significant event in Butler's history took place on July 23, 1966, when the city served as one of the endpoints for a record-setting speed run by a New York Central RDC-3, M-497 Black Beetle. This modified railcar, equipped with jet engines, traveled between Butler and Stryker, Ohio, reaching a speed of 183.68 mph (295.6 km/h). This remains the fastest recorded speed for an American rail vehicle to this day.
In recognition of its historical significance, the Downtown Butler Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
Geography
According to the 2010 census, Butler covers a total area of 2.09 square miles (5.41 km2), all of which is land. The city’s relatively small size contributes to its close-knit community atmosphere.
Demographics
Historical Population Trends
Over the years, Butler's population has experienced fluctuations. After rapid growth in the late 19th century, the population peaked in the 2000s before experiencing a slight decline. The most recent census in 2020 recorded a population of 2,635.
2010 Census Data
As of the 2010 census, Butler had:
2,684 residents
951 households
668 families
The population density was 1,284.2 inhabitants per square mile (495.8/km2). Housing units numbered 1,089, with an average density of 521.1 per square mile (201.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was primarily White (94.9%), with small percentages of African American (0.5%), Native American (0.4%), Asian (0.2%), and individuals of other races (2.3%). Additionally, 4.3% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
Households in Butler had an average size of 2.71 individuals, with 43.0% of homes having children under the age of 18. The median age in Butler was 33.7 years, and the gender distribution was nearly equal, with 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
2000 Census Data
In the 2000 census, the city had 2,725 residents, with a slightly higher density of 1,523.6 inhabitants per square mile (588.3/km2). The median household income was $37,250, while the per capita income was $15,040. Approximately 9.7% of the population lived below the poverty line.
Government and Infrastructure
Butler is governed by a mayor and a Common Council. The mayor is elected citywide, while the city council consists of five members, four elected from specific districts and one elected at large. The council is responsible for passing local ordinances, with meetings held twice a month.
Media and Communications
The city’s primary newspaper, the Butler Bulletin, is published weekly by KPC Media. It was founded in 1976 by Joe Shelton and later acquired by KPC Media in 2005. The editor since 1985 has been Jeff Jones.
Education
Butler is part of the DeKalb County Eastern Community Schools district. Local schools include:
Butler Elementary
Eastside Junior-Senior High School
Riverdale Elementary
Additionally, the city is home to the Butler Public Library, which underwent a major expansion in 2009, nearly doubling its size and adding new facilities for children, teens, genealogy research, and community events.
Notable Individuals
Butler has been home to a few notable individuals, including:
Jeff Berry, a Ku Klux Klan leader.
Nemo Leibold, a professional baseball outfielder who played for the Chicago White Sox in both the 1917 and 1919 World Series.
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