Hope is a small historic town in Bartholomew County in southeastern Indiana, about 15 minutes northeast of Columbus. It has a population of a little over 2,100 people and is known for its strong Moravian heritage, preserved downtown, and small-town community events.

The town was founded in 1830 by Moravian settlers from Winston-Salem (then Salem, North Carolina). It was originally called “Goshen,” but the name was changed to Hope because another Indiana town already used the Goshen name.

Some of the things Hope is best known for include:

• It’s historic downtown district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• The Yellow Trail Museum, which preserves local artifacts and town history.

• Moravian traditions, including Christmas customs, Moravian stars, and sugar cake baking.

• Annual events like Hope Heritage Days, Smoke on the Square BBQ festival, Classic Car Cruise-In’s, The old-fashioned Independence Day and Christmas of yester-year.

• A surprisingly rich architecture scene for a small rural town, with buildings designed by notable architects including Harry Weese and Deborah Berke.

Hope is a charming, safe rural town that offers affordable living. The great location affords easy travel to Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Louisville. The local government consists of a Town Council with five members, a City Clerk-Treasurer, a Deputy Clerk-Treasurer and the Town Manager. Other vital entities are police, fire and utilities departments. We have a school corporation, post office, community center, bank, funeral home, retail stores, restaurants, Farmers’ Market, the Art Guild of Hope and beautiful churches.

Hope also markets itself as a “Surprising Little Town,” emphasizing heritage tourism, arts, antiques, wineries, and nearby outdoor attractions.

Culturally, it reflects a classic small-town Indiana atmosphere — historic square, local festivals, community sports, and tight-knit civic life. Discussions online about small Indiana towns often describe places like Hope as quiet, traditional, and community oriented.