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đź•ŻThe Flame Burns in the City of Arches
Small Town Breakdown #46: 5 Arch Brewing, Warm Glow, and the Mansion House are just a few of Centerville's many gems.
Austin Sellers & Nate Spangle
December 14, 2025
Centerville
Small Town Breakdown
Visit Centerville, Indiana for its historic archways, the giant candle off I-70, antique shopping, and the best pie and pizza in Wayne County.
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Fast Facts
đź“ŤLOCATION: East Central Indiana
Centerville is located near the center of Wayne County.
U.S. 40 runs east-west through town, leading west to Cambridge City and east to Richmond.
Centerville Road leads north to I-70 (which runs parallel to U.S. 40) and continues to Williamsburg; it runs south to Abington.
10 minutes west of Richmond
30 minutes east of New Castle
Just over 1 hour east of Indianapolis
đź‘Ą POPULATION & RANKING
2,769 residents (as of 2024)
Ranks as Indiana’s 182nd-largest city
Second-largest incorporated town/city in Wayne County behind Richmond (35,561)
đź“Ź LAND AREA
3.54 square miles
đź“… FOUNDED
Wayne County was established in 1811.
It was named after “Mad” Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War General who also served in the Northwest Indian War.
In 1814, Centerville was platted as a result of the Twelve Mile Purchase from the Miami Indians in 1809.
It was originally spelled Centreville following the traditional English spelling until it was later changed to the present Centerville.
It became the county seat in 1818 because of its rapid growth and central location, and remained so until 1873.
Salisbury was the original county seat and no longer exists, but its log cabin courthouse now in Centerville is the only original log courthouse still standing in the old Northwest Territory.
🏥 MAIN INDUSTRIES: Manufacturing, Healthcare
With its factory and outlet store, Warm Glow is one of the leading employers in Centerville.
The City of Arches
Early settlers in Centerville constructed buildings with arched carriage entrances, allowing horses and wagons access. The five archways – Backenstoe, Dill, Lantz, Malone, and Shortridge – date from 1820 through 1836. There are informational markers that detail the town’s role in westward expansion and Indiana’s transportation history.
Centerville’s annual Archway Days Festival began in 1988 and is a two-day celebration held on the fourth weekend of every August. It includes food and craft vendors, traditional fair merchandise, a pedal tractor pull, pie and watermelon eating contests, and live entertainment in Maplewood Park.
Warm Glow
When you’re driving I-70 east of Indianapolis, you’ve probably spotted the giant candle. That signature landmark is home of Warm Glow Candle Company. The store is home to over 60 candle fragrances and seasonal items, with each candle handmade by Hoosiers in the production facility located in Centerville. No two candles are ever the same.
Warm Glow will put you in the shopping spirit, so make sure to swing through The Village Forager or Centerville Antique Mall & Auction House.
Pies, Pub Grub, and Pizza
Start your day with coffee, lattes, and pies at Auntie Em’s Farm Fresh Pies. They’ve got almost 3,000 followers on Facebook, 4.7 stars on Google, and are open Monday through Saturday.
5 Arch Brewing is a favorite among locals and visitors. Open Wednesday through Sunday, they offer ales, rotating taps, and pub-style food like burgers and fries. For the full scoop on 5 Arch Brewing, check out one of our previous blog posts.
If you’re looking for great pizza, Americana Pizza is another lunch and dinner staple in Centerville. It’s open Monday through Saturday and has 4.6 stars on Google among over 300 reviews. The Americana, Hawaiian, and pizza bread are favorites.
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Cope Environmental Center
The award-winning Cope Environmental Center has 130 acres filled with trails, sustainable-living demonstrations, wildlife programs, and environmental education year-round. It’s a peaceful escape for families, hikers, and anyone who enjoys central Indiana’s natural beauty.
Centerville High School
Centerville High School is home of the Bulldogs. They compete in the Tri-Eastern Conference, although they will move to the new Eastern Crossroads Conference starting with the 2027-28 school year. The Bulldogs do not have any IHSAA state championships in school history, but the baseball program reached the 2A finals in 2022, falling to Illiana Christian.
Bulldog Bites
Bibbly Boo Toy & Candy Shoppe had its grand opening in October 2025 and sells a variety of toys, games, and candy. There’s also an indoor toddler playroom that provides a safe and inclusive environment.
For history buffs, check out the Mansion House. Built in 1840, it once served as a popular National Road inn and stagecoach stop, and today operates as a museum. Behind it, you can see the old Salisbury log courthouse.
The next time you’re traveling through east central Indiana, Centerville is full of must-visit stops including Warm Glow, 5 Arch Brewing, and the Mansion House.