Our Community
Montpelier is a small midwestern city with tree-lined streets, friendly neighbors, and a great deal of pride. With a unique blend of small-town values and resourceful residents, Montpelier has a lot to offer.
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About Our City
Montpelier is a close-knit, historic community nestled in the heart of Northeast Indiana. Originally founded in 1836, Montpelier has grown into a small city rich in heritage and hometown pride. With its tree-lined streets, welcoming neighborhoods, and strong tradition of volunteerism, Montpelier offers residents and visitors a peaceful, safe, and affordable place to live, work, and play. The city is known for its annual community events, thriving youth sports programs, and deep appreciation for its past, reflected in projects like the downtown murals and the History Club’s ongoing work.
Despite its small size, Montpelier is a city with big ambition and forward-looking leadership. Local government works actively to invest in parks, infrastructure, and quality of life improvements, while supporting local businesses and fostering new opportunities for economic development. Residents enjoy the benefits of small-town living—short commutes, low crime, and strong community spirit—while remaining within easy driving distance of larger cities like Fort Wayne and Muncie. Whether you’re looking to raise a family, start a business, or simply enjoy a slower pace of life, Montpelier offers a welcoming place to call home.
History of Montpelier
Montpelier was founded in 1836 by Abel Baldwin, who named the community after his former home of Montpelier, Vermont. The city began as a quiet agricultural settlement but experienced dramatic growth during the Indiana Gas Boom of the late 1800s, when the discovery of natural gas brought factories, railroads, and an influx of new residents. This period of prosperity helped shape Montpelier’s character and built much of the city’s early infrastructure. A notable moment in the city’s colorful history came in 1933, when the infamous outlaw John Dillinger and his gang robbed the Montpelier National Bank—an event still remembered and retold as part of the town’s unique past
Over the years, Montpelier has continued to produce individuals who reflect the city’s spirit of perseverance and excellence. Astronaut Kevin A. Ford, a Montpelier native, served as both pilot of the Space Shuttle and commander of the International Space Station, carrying the city’s name into orbit. Another hometown hero is Jill Chapman, who made her mark in women’s basketball as a WNBA player and Indiana University Athletic Hall of Fame inductee. These stories, along with Montpelier’s strong sense of community and historical pride, continue to inspire new generations as the city looks toward a bright and promising future.
LOCAL UTILITIES
Electric: Indiana Michigan Power
Gas: Vectren Gas
Water: Montpelier Utilities
Telephone: AT&T
Internet Service Providers: AT&T, Only Internet (DSL and wireless)
HEALTH CARE
Blackford Community Hospital (affiliate of Cardinal Health System) is a 15-bed hospital, designated by Medicare as a Critical Access Hospital.
Bluffton Regional Medical Center is Northeast Indiana’s largest multi-specialty group practice, with 30 physicians representing 20 specialties and specialty clinics.
TRAVEL DISTANCES
Chicago, IL (200 mi)
Cincinnati, OH (180 mi)
Cleveland, OH (258 mi)
Columbus, OH (140 mi)
Detroit, MI (206 mi)
Fort Wayne, IN (40 mi)
Indianapolis, IN (75 mi)
Louisville, KY (194 mi)
Milwaukee, WI (292 mi)