The 1854 Gazetteer of the United States by Thomas Baldwin shows:

FOUNTAIN, a county in the western part of Indiana, bordering on the Wabash river, contains about 400 square miles. It is drained by Coal creek. The surface is mostly level, and is diversified by majestic forests and beautiful prairies, the latter of which occupy about one-fourth of the county. The soil is generally a black loam, and is highly productive. Wheat, corn, oats, &c. are the staples. In 1850 this county produced 927,278 bushels of corn; 60,031 of wheat; 53,480 of oats, and 7554 tons of hay. It contained 26 churches, and 1 newspaper office. There were 3662 pupils attending public schools. Coal and iron ore are abundant. The Wabash and Erie canal passes through it. Capital, Corington. Population, 13,258.