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Kokomo, Indiana

Located in Howard County, Indiana, Kokomo was established in 1844. 'City of Firsts' — first car tested, first canned tomatoes, first pneumatic rubber tire. The Beach Boys' 'Kokomo' is NOT about this city (it's fictional).
Founded 1844 | Population 59,000 | Peak 59,000 (2024) | County Howard County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Kokomo, Indiana

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1844 Founded: Named for Miami chief.
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1857 Railroad Era: Railroad connections spurred growth and commerce in Kokomo.
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1894 Auto Industry: Elwood Haynes tests first car.
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2010 Modern Era: Kokomo continued to develop as part of the region, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in Kokomo

Jan 1, 1970
Tragedy Strikes After Police Discover Toddler Dead In A Closet 
A tragic case of alleged neglect in Indiana has left a 2-year-old girl dead
Jan 1, 1970
She was Tears Indiana Woman Upset After Trooper Accuses her Doing Meth
Indiana, IN – On a routine traffic stop that turned into a nightmare, an Indiana woman found herself in tears after a state troo…
Jan 1, 1970
Thousands Indiana Residents Lose Food Stamp Benefits
Indiana – On May 9, 2016, a wave of frustration swept through the state as thousands of Hoosiers suddenly found themselves cut o…
Jan 1, 1970
Trump Blasts Free Trade During Indiana Rally Video
Indiana, March 5, 2016 — Donald Trump didn’t hold back during a packed rally here, where he took aim at free trade agreeme…
Jan 1, 1970
Indiana Food Stamp Enrollment Down After State Enacts Work Welfare
Indianapolis, Indiana – Back in early 2015, Indiana’s decision to tie welfare benefits to work requirements started showin…

Complete Historical Timeline

1844 Culture
Founded
1857 Transport
Railroad Era
1894 Industry
Auto Industry
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
'City of Firsts' — first car tested, first canned tomatoes, first pneumatic rubber tire.
2
The Beach Boys' 'Kokomo' is NOT about this city (it's fictional).
3
Named for Miami chief Kokomoko.
4
Kokomo is located in Howard County, Indiana.
5
Kokomo was founded in 1844.

Famous People from Kokomo, Indiana

RW
Ryan White
Writer, Student · Born Dec 6, 1971 · Died Apr 8, 1990 (age 18)
SM
Strother Martin
Character Actor, Television Actor · Born Mar 26, 1919 · Died Aug 1, 1980 (age 61)
NB
Norman Bridwell
Writer, Illustrator · Born Feb 15, 1928 · Died Dec 12, 2014 (age 86)
LS
LeRoy Samse
Athletics Competitor · Born Sep 13, 1883 · Died May 1, 1956 (age 72)
AJ
Ahmed Johnson
Professional Wrestler, American Football Player · Born Jun 6, 1963 · Age 62

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E
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SB
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