Indiana boasts a diverse history and culture, but it also harbors numerous overlooked and deserted locations. Among them are ghost towns, once-thriving communities that have either been abandoned or fallen into decline.
Exploring these ghost towns provides a unique window into the past, inviting a blend of mystery and adventure. Here, we highlight five particularly captivating ghost towns in Indiana, chosen for their historical significance, geographical placement, and present state of existence.
Hindostan Falls
Hindostan Falls, situated on the East Fork of the White River in Martin County, was once a thriving town established in 1816 by Indian immigrants who named it after their homeland.
With a population exceeding 1,000, the town flourished as a hub for commerce, politics, and culture in the region. It boasted its own newspaper, the Hindostan Whig.
However, the town’s prosperity was short-lived. In 1820, a mysterious fever epidemic swept through, claiming the lives of most residents.
The survivors abandoned the town, leaving behind a ghost town. Today, only a few remnants persist, including a cemetery, a millstone, and some foundations. The town site is now part of the Hoosier National Forest, accessible via a hiking trail.
Elkinsville
In the 1850s, Elkinsville, a small farming village in Brown County, was founded. There was a general shop, a post office, a church, and a school in the town. Before the federal government chose to construct a reservoir nearby in the 1960s, the locals led a quiet and uncomplicated life.
After the community was declared guilty, the residents were compelled to move.The majority of the town was submerged under the reservoir, Lake Monroe, with the exception of a few structures that were relocated to higher land.
Elkinsville is now a deserted settlement in the Hoosier National Forest. A few of the surviving buildings, including the school and the church, have been renovated and are accessible to the public.Every year, the community also organizes a reunion for the descendants of former residents.
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Baltimore
Founded in the 1830s, Baltimore, a small town in Warren County, boasted a post office, school, church, and a handful of residences.
The town’s main allure centered around a mineral spring renowned for its believed healing properties, attracting visitors from both near and far who sought its waters for drinking or bathing.
Regrettably, Baltimore’s prosperity was short-lived. As the late 19th century arrived, the town faced a decline exacerbated by the absence of railroad access and the rising competition from other resorts. Consequently, the population dwindled, and in 1902, the post office shuttered its doors.
Presently, Baltimore stands as a ghost town, with only one surviving house still inhabited by a descendant of the original settlers. This historic dwelling, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is encircled by a protective fence to ward off trespassers.
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Tremont
Tremont, situated in Porter County near Lake Michigan, thrived as a town founded in 1833 by New England settlers who named it after a Boston hill.
Boasting a hotel, sawmill, lighthouse, and railroad station, Tremont became a favored resort for tourists from Chicago and beyond, reaching a peak population of approximately 300 people.
However, the town faced inevitable decline due to two significant factors: erosion and fire. Over time, the lake’s waves eroded Tremont’s shoreline, jeopardizing its structures and infrastructure. In 1871, a devastating fire swept through, destroying much of the town and leaving only a handful of survivors.
Sadly, Tremont never bounced back and was eventually deserted. Presently, it is part of Indiana Dunes State Park, with only a few remnants like a cemetery and some foundations serving as glimpses into its past.
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Dunn
Dunn, established in 1907 in Benton County, was a railroad town named after Captain James Dunn, a Civil War veteran and railroad engineer. Comprising two stores, a grain elevator, and around six houses, the town primarily functioned as a junction for intersecting rail lines—one running north-south and the other east-west.
Despite its inception, Dunn’s existence was brief and uneventful due to a lack of natural resources and economic opportunities, failing to attract additional settlers.
The town dissolved by 1913, and the railroad tracks were removed in the 1980s. Today, Dunn stands as a ghost town with only a few remnants, including a grain silo and some overgrown rail beds.
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To Conclude
Whether it’s the once-bustling Hindostan Falls or the short-lived Dunn railroad town, each site provides a unique window into the challenges and triumphs of bygone communities.
Exploring these abandoned places enables us to acknowledge the resilience of human perseverance, draw lessons from both successes and failures of the past, and develop a deeper comprehension of Indiana’s changing landscape.
As we delve into these remnants of history, we’re prompted to reflect on the transient nature of human settlements and the profound influence of nature and circumstance on shaping our collective story.
