Orestes Well, Frankton, IN, 46044

## Overview Orestes Well is a private drinking spring located near the small town of Frankton in Madison County, Indiana. Situated along North Cord 400 W, this well sits in the rural heartland of central Indiana, an area characterized by flat agricultural land underlain by glacial deposits left behind by the Wisconsin glaciation. These glacial sediments — layers of sand, gravel, and till — form the aquifers that feed many of the region's wells and springs, often producing cool, mineral-rich groundwater. The well is located just a few miles north of Frankton (population roughly 1,800) and southwest of the town of Orestes, a tiny community in Madison County with roots dating back to the Indiana gas boom of the late 1800s. During that era, the discovery of natural gas brought rapid development to many small towns across east-central Indiana, and wells of all kinds — gas, oil, and water — were drilled throughout the region. As a privately maintained drinking water source, Orestes Well has historically been used by locals seeking fresh groundwater. Visitors have reported that the water is clean and refreshing, though as with any natural or private water source, water quality can vary over time and independent testing is always advisable before consumption. ## Directions 1. From **Frankton, IN**, head north on **IN-128 N** toward Orestes. 2. Turn west onto **N County Road 400 W** (also labeled N Cord 400 W on some maps). 3. The well is located at or near **9041 N Cord 400 W**, on the west side of the road in a rural setting. 4. GPS coordinates: **40.235041, -85.747125** — use these for precise navigation, as the area is sparsely signed. *Note: This is a private property location. Please be respectful of the landowner and seek permission before accessing the well.* ## What to Expect Orestes Well is set in a quiet, rural stretch of Madison County surrounded by open farmland. The landscape is flat and expansive, typical of central Indiana's agricultural countryside. Expect a simple, utilitarian well setup rather than a scenic natural spring — this is a working groundwater source valued for its water rather than its aesthetics. Because this is listed as a private drinking spring, access may be limited or require permission from the property owner. Visitors should approach respectfully and not assume public access. The area is accessible year-round by car via paved and gravel county roads, though winter conditions may make rural roads less predictable. There are no known facilities, restrooms, or parking areas at the site. The nearest services can be found in Frankton or the larger city of Anderson, approximately 10 miles to the southeast.