Greenville was founded in May 1816 by Andrew Mundell and Benjamin Haines. A critical westward expansion path for the young state, Greenville was an early stop on the New Albany to Vincennes Turnpike. Throughout the 19th century, the town flourished with hotels, mills, churches, and many local businesses. On March 26, 1908, a massive fire destroyed a majority of the town. Greenville is home to several historic residents, including industrialist John B. Ford, first USDA Secretary Norman Colman, and early professional baseball pitcher Roscoe Miller. The town also has a few historic buildings, including the Simpson United Methodist Church. Access to agriculture, transportation, and idyllic small-town Indiana life remain hallmarks of the town.