Here’s How A Squirrel Invasion In Indiana’s Hamilton County Inspired A Celebration

2 hundred years in the past, Indiana’s Hamilton County skilled an inflow of squirrels that triggered extreme crop injury and left a wake of destruction. In September 2022, officers inside this Northern Indiana county are recognizing this prevalence with a humorousness—and a month of commemorative occasions.

Now known as “The Nice Squirrel Stampede,” this bicentennial is recognizing these bushy-tailed creatures in a light-hearted approach. Numerous public occasions and promotions will occur inside the Hamilton County cities of Westfield, Fishers, Noblesville and Carmel.

“Since it’s the 2 hundredth anniversary, and the county’s bicentennial is subsequent 12 months, it appeared like an ideal time to deliver this wacky outdated story to life,” mentioned Sarah Billman, director of customer expertise at Hamilton County Tourism.

In accordance with a web site on this rodent remembrance, many squirrels emerged within the space that’s now Hamilton County in 1822 “throughout their migration south, trampling crops and inflicting mass destruction.”

Right here’s The Story

Additionally on the web site, an article by Hamilton County historian David Heighway tells the backstory behind this real-life prevalence. It quotes accounts by eyewitnesses who shared what they remembered seeing of their journals or letters.

Heighway, who coined the identify “The Squirrel Stampede,” mentioned that white settlers got here to what’s now current day Hamilton County in 1818. He defined that this area was chosen as a settlement as a result of it will be positioned alongside totally different trails. The world was as soon as prominently forests, the place land was then cleared all the way in which all the way down to White River.

“The massive factor is that no one was anticipating it. They have been simply beginning to clear the land, to plant crops and construct homes,” mentioned Heighway. “In order that’s why this has such a big impact, as a result of it was completely sudden; it was completely out of the blue.”

Heighway mentioned that there’s no confirmed whole of what number of squirrels got here via–the whole is estimated to have been within the thousands-or what particular breed they have been. But, the basis of the reason for the stampede can level to environmental modifications.

“In the course of the nineteenth century, Hamilton County was cleared of the forests,” defined Heighway. “And so because of this, the surroundings modified so drastically, it affected the squirrel inhabitants.”

Why May Have Occurred

Whereas the chopping down of the area’s native timber had a big affect, Heighway famous that one other concept about this pure phenomenon is that the squirrels might have been pushed by an absence of meals sources.

Recorded accounts via private letters point out this phenomenon occurred in September of 1822 or so round harvest time. Impacted farmers have been mentioned to have responded by utilizing weapons or different weaponry to push again and defend their crops; it’s been mentioned that the prevalence ended after two weeks.

Heighway has researched this occasion together with different historians in Central Indiana. When requested in regards to the bicentenary, Heighway famous that Hamilton County’s chamber of commerce and tourism board have been honoring this historical past via a contemporary and amusing approach. It’s additionally being celebrated for the primary time ever.

“They’re recognizing that it is a enjoyable, goofy type of a factor,” mentioned Heighway. “And they also’re turning it right into a constructive factor.”

Having Enjoyable With Historical past

Beforehand, Heighway wrote the same piece in regards to the legend of Hamilton County’s White River Monster that grew to become a tourism advertising promotion. A fiberglass model of this monster was constructed and public occasions held in honor of this fake water creature.

“It is a group id type of factor,” mentioned Heighway. “In order that’s why it is so widespread proper now and why this can be a good time for them to do it.”

The month-long commemoration of “The Nice Squirrel Stampede of 1822” kicked off in early September. It would culminate with a “Squirrel Stampede Celebration” on September 30 at Primeval Brewing in Noblesville.

Different occasions embody a Squirrel Stampede 5k Enjoyable Run on the Carmel Clay Historic Society on September 17. Numerous companies inside Hamilton County are promoting associated merchandise. Indiana Artisan Presents & Gallery in Carmel will carry acorn-themed dwelling decor whereas Jack’s Donuts with numerous places within the county will make nut-adored treats.

Solar King Fishers has created a specialty Nice Squirrel Stampede cocktail that might be served at its places in Carmel and Fishers. It’s made with vodka, the brewery’s Scottish-style Ale, Wee Mac, bourbon cream and Nocino.

Different coinciding occasions are scheduled for October 14, November 11 and December 9.

Hamilton County Tourism’s Sarah Billman mentioned that the festivities are a enjoyable technique to have a good time the county’s previous. “Realizing the historical past of your group can deeply join you to your property. We like to search out among the most original tales—like who knew tiny little squirrels may destroy crops and trigger mass destruction—and produce them to life.”