History of the Red Bridge and Cicero

The heritage of Cicero traces back to 1834, when the first settlers platted the area. Formally established in 1835, the town’s name was soon shortened from "Cicero Creek" to simply Cicero. By 1839, the community had established one of its first governmental landmarks: a post office located in Jackson Township.

Cicero also holds a unique place in local history as the site of Hamilton County’s first bridge over a major stream, built across Cicero Creek in 1838. The arrival of the railroad in 1853 accelerated local industry, fueling the growth of flour mills, steam sawmills, and driven by an abundance of natural gas—two glass factories. In 1870, that original bridge was converted into a red-painted covered bridge. This "Red Bridge" became the town's most iconic landmark, and its image remains a central part of Cicero’s identity today.

In the early 1950s, the Red Bridge was dismantled to make way for the construction of the Morse Reservoir. Completed in 1956, the reservoir marked a new era for the town, sparking a wave of steady development. Today, Cicero perfectly balances its small-town charm with the modern recreational perks of lakefront living, all while offering easy access to Indianapolis, Kokomo, and Anderson.

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History of the Red Bridge and Cicero

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History of the Red Bridge and Cicero

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