Second Settlement

A man named Robert Owen bought their town and the land around it and wanted to conduct an experiment. Robert Owen's goal was to create a more perfect society through free education. In his town, everyone would be equal and treated fairly. The best scientists, mathematicians, engineers. and teachers settled in New Harmony. Many new buildings were built. Many people lived in group dormitories.

New Harmony was also the site of the early headquarters of the U.S. Geological Survey. From 1830 until 1860 New Harmony was one of the most important training and research centers for the study of geology in America.