The Treasure Hunter's Guide To INDIANA'S LOST & BURIED TREASURES, Volume I E-Book

Cotter Bass

• Herausgeber: BookRix
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Beschreibung

ABOUT THE BOOK

INDIANA’s LOST & BURIED TREASURES, Volume I (Revised Edition): The Treasure Hunter’s Field Guide is the indispensable guidebook and operator’s manual for:

• Treasure Hunters
• Prospectors
• Metal Detectorists
• Ghost Town Buffs
• History Enthusiasts
• Tourists
• Travelers

Each of the 77 county-by-county listings included within Volume I of INDIANA’s LOST & BURIED TREASURES 381 pages feature a map with colored numerals individually keyed to each narrative entry of lost and buried treasures, placer gold and diamonds, ghost towns, and historic sites, along with accurate latitude and longitude map coordinates for both the narrative targets and adjacent towns or other physical elements; a feature of immeasurable value for quickly and accurately pinpointing site locations.         

The preamble chapter entitled I. BEFORE YOU DIG outlines rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to digging for treasure and prospecting in the state of Indiana while the APPENDICES A & B include related Indiana Department of Natural Resources regulations for Public Use of Natural and Recreational Areas and Indiana Prospecting Regulations. The chapter entitled II. TREASURE HUNTING ETIQUETTE discusses metal detecting, digging procedures, and etiquette, including the Metal Detectorists’ Code of Ethics. Also included are Chapters III. INDIANA ROAD MAP and IV. INDIANA COUNTY MAP.

Not only is INDIANA’s LOST & BURIED TREASURES, Volume I an invaluable resource for Indiana residents, but treasure hunters, prospectors, metal detectorists, and tourists from other locations, especially the adjacent states of Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky, will find its pages jam-packed with solid information, travel directions, tips, and hints for pursuing their hobbies in Indiana.

Leseprobe

Cotter Bass

The Treasure Hunter's Guide To INDIANA'S LOST & BURIED TREASURES

Plus GHOST TOWNS & HISTORIC SITES and PLACER GOLD & DIAMONDS

BookRix GmbH & Co. KG81371 Munich

TITLE PAGE

THE TREASURE HUNTER’S GUIDE TO

INDIANA’s

LOST & BURIED TREASURES

plus

GHOST TOWNS & HISTORIC SITES

PLACER GOLD & DIAMONDS

County-by-County Listings with Maps & Map Coordinates

for

TREASURE HUNTERS, PROSPECTORS,

GHOST TOWN & HISTORY BUFFS

by Cotter Bass

   en.wikipedia.org

This publication is sold with the understanding that neither the author nor the publisher is rendering legal, medical, accounting, or any other professional counseling. The information contained herein is not intended to replace instructions by trained professionals. For advice regarding legal, medical, accounting, or other issues, readers are advised to consult an attorney, physician, accountant, or other appropriate qualified professional.

Trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement.

The author and publisher disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects that may result from the use or application of the information contained within this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including by photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the author and publisher.

Cover photograph courtesy of e-thessalia.gr

Map illustrations courtesy of Google

Photographs - credits as noted

Copyright © 2020 by Cotter Bass

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. BEFORE YOU DIG

Rules, Regulations, and Laws Pertaining to Digging, Excavation,

and Extraction Within the State of Indiana

II. TREASURE HUNTING ETIQUETTE

III. INDIANA ROAD MAP

IV. INDIANA COUNTY MAP

V. HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Tips and Tricks for Navigating

VII. COUNTY-BY-COUNTY LISTINGS

I. BEFORE YOU DIG

BEFORE YOU DIG

For The Metal Detectorist, Treasure Hunter, and Prospector:

RULES, REGULATIONS, AND LAWS PERTAINING TO METAL

DETECTING, DIGGING, EXCAVATION, AND EXTRACTION

WITHIN THE STATE OF INDIANA

ARE YOU METAL DETECTING IN INDIANA?

THEN YOU MUST KNOW THE LAW!

Metal detecting laws in the state of Indiana are controversial and perhaps unconstitutional, but if you intend to dig or excavate within this state, you need to know, understand, and follow them.

en.wikipedia.org

Metal detecting laws came about because of the laws of antiquity. Although there are only a few laws that govern metal detecting, you need to be aware of and thoroughly understand the laws that prohibit the digging of artifacts. If you enjoy metal detecting, or if you are merely interested in starting the hobby, you need to know what you can lawfully detect and dig and where you can lawfully detect and dig. Even if you do not metal detect, but you love the outdoors, it's important to understand the laws.

The information contained herein may save you countless hours of headaches, attorney’s fees, and frustrations with the bureaucracy. Many individuals across the United States have been unnecessarily ridiculed, harassed, and even arrested because they were not aware of the laws regarding relics and artifacts.

If you intend to metal detect in the state of Indiana, you must become familiar with and understand the ARPA (Archeological Resources Preservation Act) Law.

BE AWARE OF AND UNDERSTAND THE LAW - DO NOT GET ARRESTED!

The ARPA Law is lengthy and confusing. It was first written to protect Indian lands, especially Indian burial grounds, from looters in the West. But over the years the law has been amended to include many Federal properties in every State. The law is quite extensive but the excerpts below provide sufficient information to help grasp the far-reaching scope implications of the ARPA Law.

ARPA (ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION ACT) LAW

In addition to the above referenced ARPA Law, the State of Indiana also follows the strict ruling of the 1966 "National Historic Preservation Act" which states:

"The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) was enacted in 1966 to protect the Nation’s historical resources from increasing development and expansion pressures by establishing a comprehensive national historic preservation policy. It defines historic properties to encompass a broad interpretation of American history and acknowledges significance at all levels, not just nationally. Furthermore, historic properties are now understood and appreciated as part of -not isolated from - the landscape in which they belong. Implementation of this act is mainly through 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 63, Determinations of Eligibility for Inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, and 36 CFR part 800, Protection of Historic Properties. The regulations that implement the NHPA and their accompanying guidance documents formulate a proactive national policy on historic preservation. It specifically directs federal government agencies to take historic preservation into account in planning their initiatives and actions. Thus, the federal government is now a full partner and a leader in historic preservation."

MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT

"The NHPA defines historic preservation as “the protection, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, or culture.”

As confusing as the above laws may seem, do not dig anything that you believe is an artifact, or anything that is older than 100 years, especially if you are on State Lands.

If you want to detect on private property, be certain that you first obtain written permission from the landowner. Asking for permission to detect on private property often takes some courage. On occasion, the property owner will say no, but if you are persistent and keep asking more property owners, eventually you will have a number of places to metal detect.

For detecting in Indiana town, village, and city parks, you'll need to check with the local officials having jurisdiction. Detecting on public lands is not permitted. To metal detect on sand swimming beaches located within Indiana State Parks, you need permission from an authorized Park Representative.

ARTICLE 8. PUBLIC USE OF NATURAL AND RECREATIONAL AREAS can be found in APPENDIX A or: 

https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/files/312IAC8.pdf

Here is a brief, but applicable, excerpt:

From the in.gov website: “312 IAC 8-2-10 Preservation of habitat and natural and cultural resources, Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-11-2-1 - Affected: IC 14, Sec. 10. Except as authorized by a license, a person must not do any of the following within a DNR property: (7) Use a metal detector, except on a sand, swimming beach as approved by an authorized representative.”

PROSPECTING FOR GOLD OR DIAMONDS IN INDIANA?

YOU MUST KNOW THE LAW!

STATE RULES FOR RECREATIONAL PROSPECTING IN INDIANA

INDIANA PROSPECTING REGULATIONS INDIANA ADMINISTRATIVE CODES312 IAC 10-5-11 AND 312 IAC 6-5-10 can be found at: https://www.in.gov/dnr/water/files/wa-Gold_Prospecting_Rules_brochure.pdf

Here are several brief, but applicable, excerpts:

“Non-motorized equipment such as pan, pick, shovel, sluice box, and metal detector are permissible

for prospecting.” 

“312 IAC 10-2-33.3 "Prospecting" refers to activities conducted in preparation for or to remove hard mineral resources 312 IAC 10-2-24.5 “Hard mineral resources" means naturally occurring alluvial deposits of the following: Gold, Platinum, Silver, Lead, Copper, Diamonds and other gemstones and other similar materials.”

“Prospecting in a non-navigable waterway Except for those waterways listed in 312 IAC 10-5-11 and 312 IAC 6-5-10 (listed in this brochure), a person may prospect in a non-navigable waterway if they get a written permit from Indiana DNR, Division of Water.”

“Prospecting in a navigable waterway Except for those waterways listed in 312 IAC 10-5-11 and 312 IAC 6-5-10 (listed in this brochure), a person may prospect within the ordinary high watermark of a navigable waterway if they get a written permit from Indiana DNR, Division of Water.”

A list of navigable waterways can be found on the web at http://www.in.gov/nrc/2375.htm.

REMEMBER, ALWAYS OBEY THE LAWS AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO METAL DETECTING, TREASURE HUNTING, AND PROSPECTING. ALWAYS ASK THE PROPERTY OWNER’S PERMISSION TO METAL DETECT OR TREASURE HUNT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

II. TREASURE HUNTING ETIQUETTE

Metal detectorists, and treasure hunters in general, are usually enthusiastic believers in protecting our hobby from acquiring a bad reputation. Many of us like to educate others about metal detecting etiquette. Unfortunately, there are some bad actors among us who seem committed to bringing our hobby into disrepute. Not filling dug holes and divots, leaving trash behind, digging in areas where metal detecting is prohibited, or not seeking permission to detect and dig on private property, are some of the actions which a small number of our coterie are occasionally guilty of. These few disrespectful metal detectorists, treasure hunters, or prospectors make it very difficult for our hobby to maintain its rightful reputation as a clean, wholesome, and respectful hobby.

Whether you are metal detecting, treasure and/or cache hunting, prospecting, or just merely enjoying the outdoors, please make an effort to adhere to and enforce the following etiquette guidelines.

METAL DETECTING, DIGGING PROCEDURES, AND ETIQUETTE

1. Use proper digging tools for the job at hand.

2. Use suitable digging tools appropriate for the terrain.

3. When digging a find in a lawn, use a sharp knife to vertically cut a U-shape, and then carefully fold it back while maintaining a “hinge” formed by the uncut portion of sod.

Then use a small trowel to remove the soil in the area exposed by the hinged plug and place it on a plastic or fabric sheet next to the hole. After finding your target, replace the soil back in the hole and carefully fold the hinged plug back in place. Gently and evenly apply pressure to the top of the hinged plug with your foot in order to “seat” it back into place. Brush away all traces of extraneous earth, remove all junk and unwanted trash, and leave the site exactly as you found it.

5. When digging in a forest or wilderness area, make certain to fill all holes or divots and remove all dug junk from the site. Again, leave the area exactly as you found it.

6. Do not disturb land unnecessarily for anything other than target retrieval.

7. Leave no trace of your activities.

8. Always respect the environment. Leave the site exactly as you found it. Travel on an established path when possible.

9. Take pains to remove your trash and pick up trash others have left behind.

10. Place found bottle caps and pull tabs in your trash apron and properly dispose of them when you arrive home.

11. Know, observe, and follow all laws and regulations.

12. When appropriate and/necessary, obtain required permits.

13. Laws, rules, and regulations are often different in each state and/or locality; know the laws for the area in which you intend to metal detect, treasure hunt, or prospect. There may be special laws that affect where you can detect and dig; for example, historical and archaeological sites.

14. You may be required to report artifacts and relics to local or regional historical authorities. Carefully maintain a written and photographic record of your finds, including dates, locations, and descriptions.

DETECTING ON THE BEACH

1. Given the public nature of beaches and the large crowds they often attract, metal detecting and treasure hunting etiquette should always be a top priority at the beach.

2. Try to metal detect beach sites during off-peak hours or in remote areas away from the crowds.

3. If there are people around, stay well away from those sunbathing or otherwise enjoying the beach. When digging a target with a sand scoop, be careful to shake the scoop to empty it just above the surface so that wind doesn’t blow sand directly on nearby beachgoers.

4. To prevent injuries to other beach enthusiasts, always fill your holes. Nothing would be worse than having someone stumble into a hole you’ve made and break or sprain an ankle!

5. Get permission! Before you enter private or state-owned lands, ask permission to metal detect and dig. Acknowledge that you will leave no trace of your activities. You may wish to ask for a description of any jewelry beachgoers may have reported lost.

METAL DETECTING CODE OF CONDUCT

The National Council for Metal Detecting (NCMD) offers the following Code of Conduct:

1. Do not trespass. Obtain permission before venturing on to any land.

2. Respect the Country Code; leave gates and property as you find them, do not damage crops, frighten animals, or disturb nesting birds.

3. Wherever the site, do not leave a mess or an unsafe surface for those who may follow. It is perfectly simple to extract a coin or other small object buried a few inches below the ground without digging a great hole. Use a suitable digging implement to cut a neat flap (do not remove the plug of earth entirely from the ground), extract the object, carefully reinstate the grass, sand, or soil, to an extent that even you will have difficulty in locating the spot again.

4. Should you discover any live ammunition or any other lethal object such as an unexploded bomb or mine, do not disturb it. Mark the site carefully and report the find to the local police and landowner.

6. Help keep our country tidy. Safely dispose of all refuse you come across.

7. Report unusual historical finds to the landowner and acquaint yourself with current policy relating to any mandatory reporting requirements in your country, state, and local jurisdiction.

8. Remember, it is illegal to use a metal detector on an area designated to be of historical or archaeological importance in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations. Make certain that you have knowledge of and faithfully observe all laws. When in doubt, make an honest effort to acquire permission from the appropriate authority.

9. Acquaint yourself with the terms and definitions of any standards, guidelines, or laws you are required to follow in your area.

10. Please remember that when you are out with your metal detector you are an ambassador for our hobby. Do nothing that might give it a bad name.

11. Never miss an opportunity to explain your hobby to anyone who asks about it.

METAL DETECTORISTS’ CODE OF ETHICS

I WILL respect private property and do no metal detecting without the owner's permission.     I WILL fill all holes and excavations.

I WILL remove and properly dispose of any trash that I find.

I WILL appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources, wildlife, and private property.     I WILL use thoughtfulness, consideration, and courtesy at all times.     I WILL build fires in designated or safe places only.     I WILL leave gates as found.     I WILL NOT litter.     I WILL NOT destroy property, buildings, or what is left of ghost towns and deserted structures.     I WILL NOT tamper with signs, structural facilities, or equipment.

 en.wikipedia.org

III. INDIANA ROAD MAP

IV. INDIANA COUNTY MAP

V. HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

V. HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

For The Metal Detectorist, Treasure Hunter, Prospector,

Ghost Town Aficionado and History Buff

The Treasure Hunter’s Field Guide To

INDIANA’S LOST & BURIED TREASURES

GHOST TOWNS and GOLD & DIAMOND DEPOSITS

The title says it all!

This comprehensive field guide includes listings for 110 Lost and Buried Treasure locations, 187 Ghost Towns, and 22 Placer Gold and/or Diamond locations.

INDIANA’S LOST & BURIED TREASURES is arranged alphabetically by county. To access a specific county, go to VII. COUNTY-BY-COUNTY LISTINGS in the TABLE OF CONTENTS and click on your selection; you’ll be immediately transported to that county!

Each one of the 77 counties in this field guide is preceded by a map that reflects the numbered locations for each text listing within that county. For example, the MORGAN COUNTY Map contains two black numerals reflecting two Lost & Buried Treasure locations, one blue numeral reflecting one Ghost Town, three red numerals reflecting three stream locations for Diamonds, and one red numeral reflecting one stream location for Placer Gold.

While most counties contain at least one numeral, indicating that that particular county has just one listing for either a Lost & Buried Treasure, Ghost Town, Historic Site, or Gold/Diamond location, some counties exhibit several categories, each category identified by one of the following numerals:

en.wikipedia.org

ADAMS COUNTY

ADAMS COUNTY

1. BOOTLEGGER MONEY CACHE

ADAMS COUNTY

WABASH TOWNSHIP

BERNE - 40°39′29″N, 84°57′15″W

GENEVA - 40°35′33″N, 84°57′36″W

During the prohibition period, a bootlegger is believed to have hidden a large amount of money between the towns of Berne and Geneva near where US-27 flows under the Wabash River (near 40°37'00"N, 84°57'14"W). The cache is likely located along the river bank within walking distance of US-27.

2. GANGSTER TREASURE HORDES

ADAMS COUNTY

ST. MARYS TOWNSHIP

PLEASANT MILLS - 40°46′40″N, 84°50′32″W

As reported in Chicago newspapers in 1930 and 1931, several gangster treasures were hidden along the Wayne Trace (about 40°45'55"N, 84°48'09"W) near the Indiana-Ohio border. A likely search area would be between Piqua and Decatur Roads, southeast of Pleasant Mills.

3. HIDDEN LOOT AT ROBBERS CAVE

ADAMS COUNTY

MONROE & WABASH TOWNSHIPS

BERNE - 40°39′29″N, 84°57′15″W

The arrest near Berne of Amos Herman, Adam Musser, and Albert Musser for stealing led to the breakup of one of the most notorious band of thieves in the Midwest. A search of the old barn on Amos Herman’s farm revealed a trap door, covered with boards and straw, which opened to a large cave beneath the old stable. Upon further examination, authorities found stolen goods of all descriptions. Another robbers cave, neatly arranged in small apartments and subsequently determined to be the “home” cave of the gang, was found at a nearby farm owned by Samuel (?) Neuenschwander. Locals believe that caches of money and other valuables remain to be found on both properties.

Wikimedia Commons

ALLEN COUNTY

ALLEN COUNTY

1.  DOUBLE EAGLES CACHE

ALLEN COUNTY

MONROE TOWNSHIP

BOSTON CORNER – 40°56′54″N, 84°54′02″W (approximate)

When Christian Miller died at his farm (near 40°55'58"N, 84°51'54"W), a piece of paper with a diagram of his property was found on his person. The diagram included dollar amount numbers shown at various locations on his property, indicating sums of money buried at each spot. After following instructions accompanying the diagram, more than $2,000 in gold double eagles has been found, each cache buried in a coffee essence box. It has been reported that several thousand dollars more remain buried and awaiting discovery. 

2.  SCATTERED GOLD IN FORT WAYNE

ALLEN COUNTY

FORT WAYNE - 41°04′50″N, 85°08′21″W

Six persons were killed and $700 in gold was scattered along the Wabash Railway track when a passenger train struck an automobile at the Winter Street crossing (near 41°04'17"N, 85°07'00"W) in Fort Wayne. One of the deceased, Herman Steagman, who refused to put his money in a bank, had placed $700 in gold in a can under the rear seat of the automobile. Police recovered some of the money, but it is reported that $540 in gold remains missing.

3.  KEKIONGA – Ghost Town

ALLEN COUNTY

FORT WAYNE - 41°04′50″N, 85°08′21″W

KEKIONGA - 41°05'19"N, 85°07'26"W (approximate)

KEKIONGA, (a.k.a. KISKAGON or PACAN’S VILLAGE), meaning “blackberry bush,” was the capital of the Miami tribe, located near the confluence of the Saint Joseph, Saint Marys, and Maumee rivers on the western edge of the Great Black Swamp. Following the construction of Fort Wayne in 1794 (see Allen County listing 7. FORT WAYNE – Historic Site), Kekionga’s importance to the Miami slowly declined. The Miami maintained sovereignty in Kekionga through the War of 1812. Under the Treaty of Ghent in 1814, the Miami tribe was forced to cede this and other central Indiana land in punishment for their not having supported the United States in the war.

The site was redeveloped as the city of Fort Wayne between 1819 and 1823 but nothing remains of the original Kekionga settlement.

4.  CAMP THOMAS A. SCOTT – Historic Site

ALLEN COUNTY

HARRISON TOWNSHIP

CAMP SCOTT - 41°03′17″N, 85°05′24″W (approximate)

CAMP THOMAS A. SCOTT, located in Fort Wayne, was a Railway Operating Battalion training center from 1942 to 1944 and a prisoner of war camp during World War II. In 1943 the Camp was converted into a POW camp for German prisoners taken during the North Africa campaign, mostly from Field Marshall Erwin Rommel's famed Afrika Korps.

By September of 1943, ominous machine-gun towers and barbed-wire fencing appeared along Moeller Road and Wayne Trace. Soon after, more than 600 prisoners arrived to live in the camp's wood frame and tar paper houses.

Camp Scott was closed on November 16, 1945, six months after the surrender of Germany, and the POWs were returned to Germany.

Camp Scott sat dormant until January 1946 when the Fort Wayne Housing Authority began the process of converting camp buildings into much-needed housing for returning American veterans and their families. In the years following, more housing was built and the families living at Camp Scott gradually relocated to other homes. Camp Scott served as a temporary housing facility until August 1949.

Over the following decades, the buildings were torn down, with the last structure being demolished in 1977.

The former camp has now been converted into a stormwater treatment wetland by the City of Fort Wayne. The front gate to Camp Scott is located on Moeller Road between Hessen Cassel Road and Meyer Road. This facility is NOT open to the public. However, the City holds occasional open house events for the community.

The only remnants of the camp remaining are old telegraph poles along the north fence line of the property.

5.  CAMP ALLEN – Historic Site

ALLEN COUNTY

WAYNE TOWNSHIP

CAMP ALLEN - 41°04′35″N, 85°09′29″W (approximate)

CAMP ALLEN, located east of Center Street and south of Huron Street, was in operation from 1861 until 1864. At this location, the 30th, 44th, 74th, 88th, and 100th Indiana Regiments and the 11th Indiana Battery were organized.

During the dark days of the Civil War, Camp Allen was the site of bustling activity as thousands of eligible young Indiana men from around the region answered the call.

When President Abraham Lincoln first called for volunteers to defend the Union on April 15, 1861, following the outbreak of war, many Allen County residents, like others throughout Indiana, rushed to join the army.  

At that time, however, there were no recruiting depots in the area. Local companies of volunteers who signed up at the courthouse were sent to Indianapolis. From there the enlistees from Allen County, as part of the 9th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, were sent to the war in Virginia. 

It soon became evident that a more organized approach to recruitment would be required. In Fort Wayne, a committee was formed, private funds were raised, and Camp Allen was built at a cost of $1,312. Camp Allen became a small tent city carved out of the wooded area across the Saint Mary’s River from the Methodist College.  

In 1884 old Camp Allen was the rendezvous site for more than 5,000 veterans who gathered in Fort Wayne for one of the annual reunions sponsored by the Grand Army of the Republic, the Union Army’s veteran organization. In the years afterward, families moved into this area and in 1912 the city purchased a portion, created Camp Allen Park, and renamed Bluff Street to Camp Allen Drive. 

6. FORT MIAMI – Historic Site

ALLEN COUNTY

ADAMS TOWNSHIP

FORT MIAMI - 41°03′03″N, 85°04′52″W (approximate)

FORT MIAMI, located south of Oxford Street and west of Meyer Road, originally called Fort St. Philippe or Fort des Miamis, was the name of a pair of French palisade forts built at Kekionga, a large Miami Indian village founded where the St. Joseph River and St. Marys River merge to form the Maumee River (refer to Allen County listing 3. KEKIONGA – Historic Site).

 In 1715, the French established a trading post in Kekionga. The Miami refused to abandon their village and move farther west, away from encroaching British traders, so in 1722 Jean Baptiste Bissot built a fort to protect the trade routes of New France. The original fort served as a successful trading post, while also serving as a vital part of the network linking the Great Lakes with the Mississippi Valley, until 1747 when the fort was sacked and burned to the ground.

In 1749, a force of French and Indians under Captain Pierre Blainville rebuilt the fort. This second fort survived the French and Indian War. In November 1760, at the close of the French and Indian War, the French garrison formally surrendered Fort Miami to the Kingdom of Great Britain. The fort and adjacent settlement was eventually ceded to the British. After the British lost control of the fort in 1763, the fort was destroyed by Indians. No traces of the fort or the settlement now remain.

7.  FORT WAYNE – Historic Site

ALLEN COUNTY

WAYNE TOWNSHIP

FORT WAYNE - 41°04'49"N, 85°07'59"W (approximate)

FORT WAYNE, situated on a portion of what is now the city of Fort Wayne, was a series of three successive military log stockades existing between 1794 and 1819 in the Miami Indian village of Kekionga (see Allen County listing 3. KEKIONGA – Historic Site), located on the portage between the St. Marys and St. Joseph Rivers. The first fort having the name FORT WAYNE was built in 1794 under orders from General "Mad" Anthony Wayne as part of the campaign against the Miami Indians during the Northwest Indian War. The new fort was named after General Wayne and was located near the intersection of E. Berry Street and Clay Street.

Fort Wayne was officially occupied by the army on October 21, 1794, and served as a basic stockade with few buildings. It was constructed to secure gains in the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794 and saw service in the war of 1812.

Following the end of the war, new settlements started to appear around the fort.

Fort Wayne was abandoned in 1819 with the cessation of Indian hostilities. The modern city of Fort Wayne was platted in 1823. A replica of the fort as it existed in 1815 (called The Old Fort) was created at a different location in the city (near 41°05′08″N, 85°08′11″W) and is a popular tourist attraction today.

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY

1.  KANSAS – Ghost Town

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY

CAMP ATTERBURY TOWNSHIP

KANSAS - 39°19′53″N, 86°01′57″W

KANSAS, located about 2 miles south of Old Hospital Road in Camp Atterbury, just east of Schoolhouse Road, about 3.25 miles west of US-31, was a former unincorporated community in Bartholomew County, now lying within the boundaries of Camp Atterbury. Kansas was laid out in 1855. A post office was established there in 1856, remaining in operation until discontinued in 1863.

Other than contemporary farmland, wooded areas, a few scattered dwellings, and nearby Camp Atterbury facilities, nothing remains of Kansas.

Thanks to Wikipedia for the history of Kansas. The original Wikipedia text has been slightly modified to satisfy the requirements of this listing.

2.  BETHANY – Ghost Town

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY

HARRISON TOWNSHIP

BETHANY - 39°10′26″N, 86°03′55″W

BETHANY (a.k.a. SOUTH BETHANY), located about 1.8 miles south of SR 46 near the intersection of S. Wolfcreek Road and W. Youth Camp Road, is an unincorporated community in Harrison Township, Bartholomew County.  An old variant name of the community was South Bethany. A post office was established under this name in 1861 and remained in operation until discontinued in 1903.

Other than open fields, wooded areas, several scattered dwellings, and the Freedom Refuge Ministries, nothing remains of Bethany.

Thanks to Wikipedia for the history of Bethany. The original Wikipedia text has been slightly modified to satisfy the requirements of this listing.

BENTON COUNTY

BENTON COUNTY

1.  DUNN – Ghost Town

BENTON COUNTY

HICKORY GROVE TOWNSHIP

DUNNINGTON - 40°33′51″N, 87°29′27″W

DUNN - 40°33′50″N, 87°27′50″W (approximate)

DUNN is an extinct town in Hickory Grove Township, Benton County. Named for Captain James Dunn, it is located about 1.5 miles east of Dunnington. In the 1920s Dunn had two general stores, a grain elevator, and perhaps six dwellings. A post office was established at Dunn in 1907 and was discontinued in 1913.

Other than a few contemporary farms, nothing remains of Dunn.

2.  SHEFF – Ghost Town

BENTON COUNTY

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP

EARL PARK - 40°41′4″N, 87°24′57″W

SHEFF - 40°42′15″N, 87°26′56″W (approximate)

SHEFF was the name of an interlocking tower that controlled the crossing of the New York Central (NYC) railroad and the NYC subsidiary Big Four (CCC&StL) railroad. It was located about 2 miles northwest of Earl Park.

Today, nothing remains of Sheff.

3.  HANDY – Ghost Town

BENTON COUNTY

HICKORY GROVE TOWNSHIP

TALBOT - 40°30′19″N, 87°27′15″W

HANDY - 40°30'01"N, 87°28'17.5"W (approximate) 

HANDY, located along and just south of CR W750S and about 1.0 miles southwest of Talbot, is shown to be an unincorporated [populated] place in Hickory Grove Township, named for a local businessman. Little is known about Handy other than it was a railroad stop along the Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad.

Other than being surrounded by contemporary farmland, nothing remains of Handy except for an old, abandoned brick building.

Wikimedia Commons

BLACKFORD COUNTY

BLACKFORD COUNTY

1.  BOWSER STATION – Ghost Town

BLACKFORD COUNTY

LICKING TOWNSHIP

HARTFORD CITY - 40°27′09″N, 85°22′10″W

BOWSER STATION - 40°22′59″N, 85°21′29″W (approximate)

BOWSER STATION, located about 1,000 feet south of CR E450S and about 4.7 miles south of Hartford City, was a railroad stop on the Eaton and Hamilton railroad in southeast Licking Township. Bowser Station had a post office during the 1870s.

Other than surrounding contemporary farmland, little or nothing remains of Bowser Station.

2.  DORSEY STATION – Ghost Town

BLACKFORD COUNTY

HARRISON TOWNSHIP

MONTPELIER - 40°33′11″N, 85°16′53″W

DORSEY STATION - 40°30'28"N, 85°18'56"W (very approximate)

DORSEY STATION, probably located just southeast of the CR N300E and CR E400N intersection and about 3.7 miles southwest of Montpelier, was a railroad stop on the Lake Erie and Western Railroad in west-central in Harrison Township. Dorsey Station had a post office during the 1870s.

Other than surrounding contemporary farmland, little or nothing remains of Dorsey Station. 

3.  FROG ALLEY – Ghost Town

BLACKFORD COUNTY

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

HARTFORD CITY - 40°27′09″N, 85°22′10″W

FROG ALLEY - 40°31'26"N, 85°25'35"W (very approximate)

FROG ALLEY, probably located on the north side of CR W500N, about 500 feet east of CR N300W and about 6 miles northwest of Hartford City, was a small community in west-central Washington Township.  The name “Frog Alley” arose due to the swampy conditions in the area. Frog Alley featured one church and one school (which began in 1863, closing in 1923).

Other than surrounding contemporary farmland and a few scattered dwellings, little or nothing remains of Frog Alley.

4.  GREENLAND – Ghost Town

BLACKFORD COUNTY

HARRISON TOWNSHIP

MONTPELIER - 40°33′11″N, 85°16′53″W

GREENLAND - 40°30′29″N, 85°15′31″W (very approximate)

GREENLAND, probably located at the southeast corner of the CR E400N and CR N600E intersection and about 3.25 miles south of Montpelier, was a small community in south-central Harrison Township.

Other than surrounding contemporary farmland and a few scattered dwellings, little or nothing remains of Greenland. 

5.  LITTLE CHICAGO – Ghost Town

BLACKFORD & WELLS COUNTY

HARRISON TOWNSHIP

MONTPELIER - 40°33′11″N, 85°16′53″W

LITTLE CHICAGO - 40°34′02″N, 85°20′00″W (very approximate)

LITTLE CHICAGO, probably located along CR S600W near the intersection with CR W1200S, about 3 miles northwest of Montpelier, was a small community in northwest Harrison Township, extending into Wells County.

Other than surrounding contemporary farmland and a few scattered dwellings, little or nothing remains of Little Chicago. 

6.  MOLLIE – Ghost Town

BLACKFORD COUNTY

HARRISON TOWNSHIP

MONTPELIER - 40°33′11″N, 85°16′53″W

MOLLIE - 40°30'28"N, 85°18'56"W (approximate)  

MOLLIE, located at the southeast corner of the CR E400N and CR N300E intersection and about 3.5 miles southwest of Montpelier, was a small community in southwest Harrison Township. Mollie thrived in the 1890s as a railroad stop having a grain elevator, post office, and general store. The Harrison Township oil fields were located nearby.

Other than surrounding contemporary farmland and a few scattered dwellings, little or nothing remains of Mollie.

7.  PLEASANTDALE – Ghost Town

BLACKFORD COUNTY

HARRISON TOWNSHIP

MONTPELIER - 40°33′11″N, 85°16′53″W

PLEASANTDALE - 40°29'39"N, 85°15'34"W (approximate)

PLEASANTDALE, probably located at the northwest corner of the CR E300N and CR N600E intersection and about 4.25 miles south of Montpelier, was a small community in south-central Harrison Township.

Other than surrounding contemporary farmland and the Pleasantdale United Methodist Church, nothing remains of Pleasantdale.

8.  RENNER – Ghost Town

BLACKFORD COUNTY

LICKING TOWNSHIP

MONTPELIER - 40°33′11″N, 85°16′53″W

RENNER - 40°28'19"N, 85°25'54"W (approximate)

RENNER, located on the west side of CR N325W about 0.5 miles north of CR W100N  and about 9.8 miles southwest of Montpelier, is an extinct village in northwest Licking Township and a railroad stop on the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad. The land around the railroad stop was originally used to supply timber for railroad crossties and eventually became a livestock farm. Housing for the families of the employees of the livestock farm was located nearby.

Other than surrounding contemporary farmland, nothing remains of Renner. 

9.  SILAS – Ghost Town

BLACKFORD COUNTY

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

MONTPELIER - 40°33′11″N, 85°16′53″W

SILAS - 40°30′57″N, 85°21′04″W (approximate)