White River Conversations

Illustration from the article, “Condition of the River: Trip from Noblesville to This City by Boat,” Indianapolis News, June 2, 1896, pg. 7. 

As part of the work to continue the White River Vision Plan, I’ve been brought in to contribute research and historic context, as well as facilitate community conversations at each of the river’s reaches within Hamilton and Marion counties. Understanding the river’s history helps us to be better stewards of this important waterway. 

Early pollution editorial, “The Water Supply of the City,” Indianapolis News, March 31, 1881, pg. 3.

One of the most interesting narratives I discovered in the research was the tension of the White River being both a beautiful waterway for recreation and leisure while simultaneously being dangerous and polluted. This tension was nuanced based on differences associated with geography,  development, and time, but it is important nonetheless as municipalities, institutions, organizations, and communities have come together to collectively improve the quality, access, and health of White River while being strategic about its future. 

Despite pollution concerns, many articles such as this one highlight the desirability of recreation along waterways and in parks; from “Country Walking Popular as a Tonic Among Indianapolis People; Increase in Number of Pedestrians Noticeable on Pretty Pathways,” Indianapolis News, June 8, 1907, pg. 15.

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Maps of Hamilton County and Marion County, both of 1866, from the Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division. Interact with the full resolution Hamilton County map here and the Marion County map here.

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Interested in learning more history and discussing the vision plan? Please join me at the upcoming free White River Conversations offered at five different parks over the next month:

• Meadow Reach, Sept. 26, 1 pm

  River Road Park, 12575 River Rd., Carmel, IN

• Quarry Reach, Sept. 26, 4 pm

  Hazel Landing Park, 10601 Hazel Dell Pkwy., Carmel, IN

• Village Lakes Reach, Oct. 10, 1 pm

  Broad Ripple Park, 1500 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis, IN

• Protected Reach, Oct. 10, 4 pm

  Riverside Park, 3702 N. White River Parkway W Dr., Indianapolis, IN

• South Bluffs Reach, Oct. 24, 1 pm

  Southwestway Park, 3400 Mann Rd., Indianapolis, IN