The First Branch of the White River travels through the valley and the town.

As of the census[8] of 2010, there were 1,238 people, 541 households, and 334 families residing in the town.

89.2% of adults have earned a high school diploma or higher level of education.

It was originally called Turnersburgh after settler Bela Turner.

In 1788 the townspeople of Turnersburgh approved a bill to rename the town Chelsea.