As Indiana's 1916 centennial approached, Colonel Richard Lieber urged the creation of a state park system to halt the destruction of forests, the neglect of historic places, and the loss of natural beauty. In the early 1900s, as conservation gained support nationwide, Lieber emerged as a leading advocate for Indiana's remaining natural areas. A commission that included Lieber and writer Juliet Strauss was charged with acquiring the first park. Strauss, who had known Turkey Run since childhood, quickly campaigned to save it when she learned a timber company planned to buy it. At an auction held at the Lusk Home, the timber company outbid the commission, preventing Turkey Run from becoming Indiana's centennial celebration monument. The setback prompted enormous public outcry, and while the commission secured McCormick's Creek in time for the 1916 centennial, Lieber continued raising funds and lobbying the state legislature until Turkey Run was bought back from the timber company in October 1916. Through these efforts, both Turkey Run and McCormick's Creek became centennial monuments to the citizens of Indiana, and Lieber went on to serve as the first director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and a national figure in resource conservation.

Photo: Daniel Barriball

Marshall, Indiana · USA