Ellettsville was platted in 1837. In 1818, Edward Ellett, Sr, and his wife Eleanor settled in what is now known as Ellettsville with their four minor sons: David, Richard, Johnston and Barton. The first winter, they lived in a three-sided log cabin they built. Also settling that year were their two eldest sons, William and Samuel, with their wives and families. Within a few years daughters Sarah, Phoebe and Nancy settled in the area with their husbands. In 1826, their third eldest son, Edward, Jr., also arrived in the town that was named Ellettsville in 1837. Samuel Ellett built the first courthouse in 1820. It was completed ahead of schedule and at the cost of $400. By 1822, the first school opened and with Samuel Ellett's children attending.