Batesville is a city in Ripley and Franklin counties in the U.S. state of Indiana.

Batesville is noted for its central location between Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Louisville.

[5] Batesville was founded by George H. Dunn, owner of the John Callahan Trust Company.

The company bought land and created new towns along rail lines that it began since Dunn was president of the Cincinnati and Indianapolis Railroad.

Joshua Bates, who platted the town of Batesville, is thought to be the source of the name.

The following year, German immigrant Henry Boehringer became Batesville's first major builder.

Along with building the apartments and housing, Boehringer owned the lot where the Ward School now stands.

In 1863 Conrad Rapp purchased numerous lots on East Broadway and bought Walter's gristmill.

It was also used as a boarding house for mill workers and visiting lumber salesman.

When the founder Herman Schrader died, the business was bought by John Hillenbrand|John and William Hillenbrand.

During the 1880s the town of Batesville started its first form of government appointed by the community.

The inmates were forced to break stone to pay for their stay in the prison.

In March 1888, the school board made a decision to construct an addition onto the schoolhouse.

Also in 1888, the first city attorney (James H. Connelly) was appointed at a salary of $35 per year, and many new businesses were added.

In this year, Henry F. E. Schrader moved to Batesville and opened a tin shop and built homes.

Also, Henry H. Kramer started a grocery store on the corner of Walnut and Boehringer.

As well as new stores, a covered bridge was built over the Laughery Creek, making travel much easier.

On January 29, 1894, the first electric lamp was placed in front of Town Hall.

[8] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

Metal parts manufacturer Batesville Tool & Die is based in the city.

William Hillenbrand and his aunt Mary Mitchell founded HillRom in 1927.

The mayor, city council members, judge, and clerk treasurer all serve four year terms.

Greyhound Lines buses ceased service in Batesville on June 20, 2005.

As of the 2011[update]–2012 school year, there were approximately 2,083 students enrolled in the district.

Liberty Park offers many recreational activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, baseball, basketball, playground sets, and a large pavilion.

[23] Batesville also offers walking and biking trails, a skatepark and pump track.

WRBI is owned by White River Broadcasting Co., Inc.[26] This station also provides local news and sports to the community.