The first permanent settlers in the area were said to arrive in the year 1830. They were thought to have come from North Carolina or Virginia, depending on which book you read. They settled a mile or two north of what is now downtown Summitville. March 4, 1837 Martin VanBuren was inaugurated as our 8th President, 2 days later the "Township of VanBuren" was organized and named in his honor. Travelers were soon coming through the area via the "Ft.Wayne Trace". So many came, that in 1939 Samuel Fennimore decided to build onto his cabin, and opened it up as a hotel and tavern. Robert Robb was said to have opened the first store in the area at about the same time. These were the first known businesses in our town. Aaron Williams, a farmer, owned the land where Summitville proper is now located. He opened up a tannery in 1847, a saw mill and grist mill in 1854 and laid out the town in 1867. The town was officially incorporated in 1881. In these early days the northern area or settlement, was nicknamed "Wrinkle", and the town was known as "Skipperville." It was later changed to Summitville when it was found that the waters of Mud Creek and Black Creek flow in opposite directions. Summitville is the highest point between Indianapolis and Ft. Wayne. In the 1880's the discovery of natural gas in the area was a big boost for the town. In 1897 Summitville had 3 glass factories, 2 sawmills, a flour mill, a brick factory and the largest clay farm tile factory in the U.S. As was the case with other surrounding communities, when the gas supply was used up, a lot of the industries that existed due to the fuel, failed or moved out, and the community returned to its biggest asset, that being the land and agriculture.
Summitville is located 1 mile east of St. Rd 9, 5 miles west of I-69, which gives our citizens an easy commute to work in Ft. Wayne, Indianapolis, Muncie, Anderson and Marion to mention a few. Although the largest industry is farming, the town is also home to R & R Engineering, manufacturer of "Bent Bolts"(U bolts). Majestic Productions, specializing in Lighting production and design. Rookies Ink specializing in screen print and embroidery. STS- Superior Tote Solutions, an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Reconditioning Company. Our citizens have access to the services of Melisa's Barber Shop, Owens-Noffzee Funeral Home, Hoosier Routes Restaurant, Hazelbaker Library, Pizza King, Circle K, US Post Office, and Summitville Elementary (a part of Madison-Grant United School Corporation). The following businesses are also part of our Summitville Community
