Shown is the Continental Divide Historical Marker which is located between Syracuse and North Webster. Photo provided by Dan Federspiel

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Dan Federspiel reached out earlier this summer noting the number of historical markers in the area. “By the time I realize what I am seeing, however, the marker is already in my rearview,” he said in an email.

Federspiel, an avid reader of The Mail-Journal, suggested we look further into those markers that dot the landscape.

In.gov, the official website of the State of Indiana actually has several pages dedicated to historical markers. In Kosciusko County, there are 10 markers with four located between Syracuse and North Webster, dating from 1962 to 2007.

The markers are: Papakeechie’s Reserve; Indian Hill, Cedar Point and Continental Divide. Papakeechie’s Reserve, 7277 E. Eli Lilly Road, Syracuse, actually came under review in 2010. At the time the marker read “Papakeechie’s Reserve: You are now leaving Papakeechie’s Reservation, 36 square miles. This Miami Chief, also known as Flat Belly, held this land from 1828-1834 when it was returned to the National Government. It was later owned by the Wabash & Erie Canal.”

The review recommended “The current maker should be removed. There is no denying that the “Treaty with the Miamis, 1826” that officially gave this allotment of land to Papakeechie occurred in 1826,not 1828. Furthermore, the statement that he ‘held this land from 1828-1834,’ despite the incorrect date, implies that this was the amount of time he was on that land.

“However, he probably lived in the area for much longer, possibly his whole life. In 1826 he was only confined to a smaller portion of the area in which the Miami had roamed for hundreds of years. Furthermore, the statement that the land was ‘returned’ to the government in 1834 perpetuates the idea that the U.S. was destined to settle the land or was in any way the rightful owner. The statement about the Wabash and Eerie Canal later owning the land is likely correct, but needs more research.

“While the current marker is incorrect and misleading, a new marker in the same area would still be appropriate. A new marker could focus on the fact that the whole area was home to the Miami for hundreds of years. During the treaty years, the area was divided into reservations and individual plots, separating the people from their land and livelihood. Flat Belly could still be mentioned as living on this reserve with his followers. The new marker would provide an opportunity to talk about broken treaties and Indian removal. Perhaps, the marker could mention that some Miami returned to the area, and their descendants are still fighting for tribal recognition today.” There is nothing in the record to show a new marker was installed.

Indian Hill is located at 877 N. Shore Drive, Syracuse. According to the IHB record the marker, which was placed in 1962, no longer meets with current IHB guidelines and procedures which require the IHB, marker applicants and representatives of indigenous communities to work together on marker text.

The text reads “Indians formerly wrapped their dead and secured them in the trees here. At the time of white settlement, the wrappings were disintegrating and the bones were falling on the ground.

Cedar Point, located at 11261 Cedar Point Low Road, Syracuse, also notes it was placed in 1962 and does not meet current IHB guidelines and procedures. It reads “This site was occupied by Indians of the Glacial Kame Culture about the time of the birth of Christ.”

The marker for the Continental Divide is located on the east side of SR 13 along the frontage of the Northern Indiana Weater Forecast Office facility. It was erected in 1968.

The Indiana State Historical Marker Program, which began in 1946, is a public-driven program and its success rests on the partnership between the applicants and the Indiana Historical Bureau.

IHB accepts applications for new marker topics each year. Those topics must demonstrate statewide and/or national significance and be supported with primary source documentation.

Often structures important in telling the history of marginalized communities are no longer preserved and markers play a significant role in returning these stories to the historical landscapes in which they belong.

In order to be considered for a marker, the topic must demonstrate statewide significance and be substanitated with primary source documentation. Applications for 2024-2025 are due July 18 to be discussed when the Indiana Library and Historical Board meets in September.

For more information about the application process visit in.gov/history/state-historical-markers/apply-for-a-marker.

Topic priorities for 2024-2025 are notable anniversaries such as semi-centennials, 75 year anniversaries, centennials, sesquicentennials etc.; notable Hoosiers who died in 2005 or earlier. IHB guidelines stipulate no individual may be a topic of a marker until 20 years after his or her death.

Another topic is marginalied communities including the historically underrepresented racial, ethnic or immigrant groups and women’s history in Indiana.

An Indiana State Historical Marker for 2024-25 application cycle costs $3,300. the applicant must raise the full cost of the marker.