Imagine a bustling frontier town, poised to become one of Indiana's most prominent settlements, suddenly vanishing into the mists of history. This is the tale of Hindostan Falls, a once-thriving community that met a tragic fate. Though much of the town has faded into history, the allure of Hindostan Falls remains, with whispers of buried gold captivating treasure hunters and history buffs alike.

 

the history of hindostan

 

History of Hindostan Falls

 

In 1808, Frederick Schultz traveled from Vincennes to purchase land and start a town. Located at the falls of the East Fork of the White River, Hindostan Falls quickly became a beacon of promise in the newly-formed state of Indiana. The town's strategic location along the stagecoach route between New Albany and Vincennes fueled its rapid growth. Named by Captain Caleb Fellows, an English immigrant with a colorful past in the British East India Company, Hindostan Falls soon boasted a population of 1,200 by 1820. This made it one of the largest settlements on the Indiana frontier, with many residents even living along the White River.

 

However, Hindostan Falls’ prime location along major travel routes became its undoing. The constant influx of travelers and new settlers exposed the town to a melting pot of diseases. In the early 1820s, a devastating outbreak - likely cholera combined with other illnesses like yellow fever - swept through the community. Within a span of just four years, the majority of Hindostan Falls’ population had either perished or fled. Court records paint a grim picture, noting that over 138 people died in a mere three-month period.

 

hindostan falls old photo

 

The Lore of Buried Treasure

 

As with many ghost towns, Hindostan Falls has its share of treasure and legends. One tale speaks of the town treasurer who died before revealing where he had hidden the town's funds, including money earmarked for a courthouse and library. Legend has it that the treasurer hid the money in a well, but no one has been able to pinpoint its location.

Another story, passed down through Native American lore, tells of a cave of gold beneath the falls. A third legend involves Spanish explorers who supposedly stashed gold in a nearby cave, never to return. 

 

While these tales might seem far-fetched, they've inspired many to search the area, including one determined individual who brought in heavy equipment to excavate a promising site.

 

Hindostan Falls

 

What’s Left of Hindostan Falls

 

Today, Hindostan Falls is a serene natural area owned by the state of Indiana. The 134-acre site, purchased in the late 1950s, has been transformed into a fishing and wildlife area. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking Hindostan Falls, which holds the distinction of being the widest waterfall in Indiana with the highest water volume. The area features boat ramps above and below the falls, allowing for river exploration.

 

Evidence of the town's past can still be seen in the form of 128 holes, each 18 by 18 inches, carved into the expansive flat rock where mills once stood. The falls area offers a peaceful retreat, free from the distractions of modern technology - there's no cell service or internet, providing a true escape into nature.

 

Hindostan days

 

How to Learn More

 

While Hindostan Falls may have faded from its once-promising future, its legacy lives on. Today, it stands as a testament to the challenges faced by early Indiana settlers and serves as a hidden gem of natural beauty. Whether you're drawn by the historical significance, the allure of hidden treasure, or simply the picturesque scenery, Hindostan Falls offers a unique glimpse into Indiana's past and a perfect opportunity to disconnect from the modern world.

 

For those intrigued by Hindostan Falls’ story, there’s a few places where you can learn more.