[5] The town of Brownstown was platted on April 8, 1816, notably prior to the statehood of Indiana itself.

The land for the Jackson County Court House, which rests in the heart of Brownstown on the square, was donated by Col. John Ketcham (1782–1865) for this specific function.

The Jackson County Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

There were 1,282 housing units at an average density of 806.3 per square mile (311.3/km2).

29.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 1,242 housing units at an average density of 867.7 per square mile (335.0/km2).

28.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.