Early Settlers

After the Northwest Territory was formed in 1787, immigration to the Princeton area began to grow rapidly as young settlers came seeking a place to start their own homestead. They often arrived by way of the Red Bank Trail and Patoka Trace, traveling on foot or by horse and carrying only a few tools. They lived on buffalo, bears, deer, turkeys, acorns, wild rice, and barley seeds until they could raise a patch of corn. With help from their nearest neighbors, who might live up to 5 miles away, they built log cabins and made their own clothing, often from animal hide. Educational opportunities for their children were limited, but they learned from the natural world around them about the land, plants, animals, and survival. Though neighbors often lived far apart, these settlers remained socially connected, relying on one another and celebrating together, with wedding festivities that included feasting and dancing and often lasted several days. The first settler of the Princeton area was John Severns, who became an important liaison between Native Americans and settlers. Having been held captive for 7 years by Native Americans in Virginia, he had learned their customs, and after arriving in the Princeton area he befriended the Shawnee Chief “Trackwell” and the Miami Chief through his understanding of their customs and dialect. In exchange for supplying them with brandy, or “White Man’s Milk,” he was allowed to operate a ferry across the Patoka River near what became known as “Severn’s Bridge.”

Princeton, Indiana · United States