In the heart of downtown Rushville stands one of Indiana’s most beautiful and historic landmarks — the iconic Rush County Courthouse. Towering above the city square with its magnificent clock tower, stone exterior, and timeless architecture, the courthouse is far more than just a government building. It is a symbol of the pride, resilience, and character that has defined Rush County for generations. For anyone who has driven through Rushville, it is nearly impossible to miss the courthouse rising above the surrounding streets. It serves as both the physical and symbolic center of the community — a reminder that small towns often carry some of the richest history in America. The current Rush County Courthouse was constructed in 1896 and designed by the architectural firm A.W. Rush & Sons of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, the structure features rock-faced stone, dramatic arches, ornate detailing, and a stunning 196-foot clock tower that st...
At LADD Dental Group, we are always inspired by the stories of Indiana innovators who helped shape their communities through vision, persistence, and craftsmanship. One of the most fascinating examples comes from Rush County, Indiana: the invention of the J.D. Adams Leaning Wheel Grader. While it may seem unusual to connect road construction equipment to dentistry , the deeper story behind the J.D. Adams Company carries powerful lessons about innovation, operational excellence, leadership, and long-term community investment that still apply today. The Innovation That Changed Road Construction The J.D. Adams Company was founded in Rushville, Indiana by Jonathan Dixon Adams in the late 1800s. The company became nationally known for developing the “leaning wheel grader,” a major advancement in road construction technology. Before this invention, maintaining and grading roads was far more labor intensive and less efficient. Adams’ design allowed operators to angle and stab...