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History & Culture
80+ Years of Accomplishing our Mission
The area which is now the Hoosier National Forest was used and inhabited continuously from as early as 12,000 years ago, first by Native Americans, and later by European and African Americans. Each group of people used the land in different ways, and each had an influence on the land that we today makes up the Hoosier National Forest.
The legislation enabling the Forest Service to began purchasing land in southern Indiana was signed February 6, 1935. In 2010, the Hoosier celebrated 75 years of Caring for the Land and Serving People.
Highlighted Historical Sites
There are many historical sites on the forest, many of which you can still visit today:
- Buffalo Trace
- Brooks Cabin
- Cox’s Woods (Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest),
- Carnes Mill
- Lick Creek African American Settlement
- Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower,
- German Ridge CCC campground
- Mano Point
- Rickenbaugh House
- Roll Petroglyph
Features
Timeline of Activity on the Lands of the Hoosier National
The area which is now the Hoosier National Forest was used and inhabited continuously from as early as 12,000 years ago, first by Native Americans, and later by European and African Americans. Each group of people used the land in different ways, and each had an influence on the land. Find out more about how native inhabitants, European settlement, and the development of the American landscape that would become Indiana's only National Forest.
History of Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area
The Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area was designated in 1982. Prior to it being part of the national forest and later designated a wilderness area, the area was made up of small farms and homesteads.
Spotlights
Historical Maps
Historical Maps, some dating to the early 20th century are avialable on line for download.
Publications on Hoosier NF History
The Hoosier has published two books on the history of the Hoosier National Forest Region. Both are available at our offices.
Where did the Name Hoosier Come From?
There are many sources in historical accounts of where the name Hoosier may have come from. Read some of these and see which you think may have been the most likely!
