Community Profile

Formerly the county seat of Perry County, Cannelton (population 1,563) is the smallest incorporated city in the state of Indiana. Cannelton was named in 1844 for the cannel coal that was once mined in the area.

What makes our city unique is the abundance of sandstone walls and buildings. Cannelton is a historical sandstone community. It’s also home to the Cannelton Cotton Mill. Built in 1849, it was once the largest industrial building in the United States west of the Allegheny Mountains. It manufactured Union Army uniforms for the Civil War and was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1990.

The city is nestled in a picturesque location in the southwest corner of the state. It is situated between the Ohio River and the 202,000-acre Hoosier National Forest. Outdoor enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to enjoy camping, fishing and especially boating and watersports. Construction of the nearby Cannelton Locks and Dam has created a 114 mile-long “lake” from Cannelton to Louisville, Kentucky. This stretch of calm recreational water is ideal for boaters, water skiers and swimmers.

Cannelton is a rural community with a majority of our residents working in the manufacturing industry. We offer the quality of small city living and quick access to larger municipalities and metropolitan areas by way of the Cummings Lincoln Trail Bridge. Built it 1966, this historic bridge spans the Ohio River between Indiana and Kentucky, connecting Cannelton and Hawesville.

We invite you to our caring community of beautiful churches and safe schools, and we welcome small business entrepreneurs to consider locating their businesses in our city.