The County Line
Representatives of the Indian tribe that left Hamilton County nearly 200 years ago are returning to the land of their ancestors. But, they’re not interested in hunting and fishing, they are interested in establishing a casino. Indian tribes in many states have entered the gambling industry. Federal officials have recently approved a plan that allows the Potawatomie tribe to build a casino near South Bend.
Now that the ice is broken in Indiana, the Delawares who once lived along the White River in Hamilton County, want to go into the business. (A Delaware princess, Mekinges, was William Conner’s first wife. But, she and her fellow tribesmen were moved out of the area in 1820 under provisions of the Treaty of St. Mary’s.)
This week a direct descendant of Mekinges appeared in Noblesville to announce the Delaware tribe’s intent to open a casino complex north of Noblesville near Strawtown. Chief Dancing Bear, a resident of Guthrie, Oklahoma, this week visited the County Government and Judicial Center to seek information on zoning for his planned complex which he says will include a hotel, restaurant and music center.
Dancing Bear and fellow investors in the project have the money to finance their venture. After their ancestors were moved from Hamilton County, the clan eventually settled in the Oklahoma territory where they later struck oil and made millions.
The chief says the Indians have their eye on acreage along White River, site of a Delaware village in the early 19th century. He regards the location as historically sacred ground to the Delawares. A monument in the form of a towering tepee, illuminated at night and visible for miles, will ultimately be built on part of the ground.
The planned casino and entertainment project will draw thousands of visitors to the area, provide employment opportunities and tax revenue, according to the chief. He admitted that handling traffic and security will present challenges.
So, there is good news and bad news. Whether you’re looking forward to the Indians’ return to Strawtown or you’re worried about heavy traffic and bad effects of a casino in the neighborhood, you may want to remember that this is the first day of April, and we try to fool you each year on this date.
Did we succeed?