West Central Neighborhood Once the Site of Immense Indian Graveyard.Giant Skeleton Discovered.
History
of Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1868
In
the extreme west end of the city there -'was formerly an extensive
bluff, perhaps some fifteen or sixteen feet higher than any other
point within the present limits of Fort Wayne, which covered
originally some two squares. It was, indeed, an immense sand heap.
When, and how long accumulating, the ages alone can determine. The
sand is of a rather fine quality, and much of it has served well,
doubtless, for mortar, in building and other purposes. It extended
from Wayne street, fronting and within, a few yards of the college,
towards the river, a short distance below Berry street, and eastward
perhaps about a square; somewhat sloping in its general character.
Its highest point was at about the present terminus of Berry street.
Over this knoll there extended but little vegetative life ; a few
indifferent bushes here and there over it and about its margin,
formed, perhaps, the principal part of its productive growth, as is
usually the case with sandy points. The Indians are said to have had
some huts upon it, some years ago. In removing this- great sand,
heap, as in digging at other points within the present limits of
Fort Wayne, the Indians having deposited their dead here and there,
many bones and skulls were exhumed and removed. On one occasion, some
workmen thus engaged, among many others, dug up a most remarkable
skull —with high forehead and general formation extremely large —
indicating a giant form to the possessor.*
