IN HR0081

Howard County was originally named Richardville County when created by the Indiana legislature on January 15, 1844, and became operational on May 15, 1844, with David Foster donating 40 acres for the county seat of Kokomo.

Richardville County was named after Miami Indian civil chief Jean Baptiste Richardville in honor of his contributions to Indiana, and remains the only Indiana county to have its name changed.

The county was renamed Howard County on December 28, 1846, to honor respected Hoosier politician Tilghman A. Howard.

Howard County has led in innovation for 175 years, particularly in Kokomo, known as the "City of Firsts" for numerous product innovations and technological discoveries.

The Indiana General Assembly recognizes Howard County's 175th anniversary on May 15, 2019, and celebrates its historic past and citizens' contributions to the state.