By Contributing Writer
Shipshewana is located in the northern part of Indiana in Newbury Township in LaGrange County. Shipshewana is also located in the St. Joseph River valley. Shipshewana is less than 1 square mile in size and has a population of fewer than 600 people. Shipshewana is known for its quaint shops and restaurants and friendly people. Shipshewana is also known as the home of one of the world's largest flea markets.
Name Origins
The town of Shipshewana was named after Potawatomi Indian Chief Shipshewana. Chief Shipshewana and his tribe had settled the swampy area and made their camp by a nearby lake. The area around the settlement also contained forests and streams that helped support an abundance of wildlife. Chief Shipshewana died in 1841.
White Settlers
White settlers first came to the Shipshewana area in the early 1800s. In 1838, the United States government forced Shipshewana and nearly 1,000 Potawatomi Indians from northern Indiana. The Potawatomi Indians were forced to march to the Osage River in Kansas. Chief Shipshewana returned to the area in 1839.
Begining of a Town
The town of Shipshewana was created thanks to a railroad that ran from Goshen, Indiana, to Battle Creek, Michigan. S and MS Railroads build the railroad that was called the "Pumpkin Vine," due to its many curves. Civil Engineer J.J. Burns planned the town of Shipshewana, and its first building went up in 1888. Shipshewana's first house was built in 1888.
Mennonite and Amish History
Shipshewana is know for its Mennonite and Amish history. Both Mennonites and Amish began to settle in LaGrange County, Indiana, in the early 1840s. Mennonites and Amish settled the land in northern Indiana for its rich farmland.
Modern Attractions
More than 500,000 visitors come to Shipshewana every year. Shipshewana holds a flea market with more than 150 vendors, along with restaurants that boast home-cooked Amish foods. Shipshewana is also know, for its many festivals, including its Christmas lights displays.
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