Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 September 1881 — The Kankakee Marshes. [ARTICLE]

The Kankakee Marshes.

Professor Campbell, of the Government Geodetic Survey, furnishes the New Alban/ Press with some interesting information concerning the topography of Indiana. The following is an extract: The Kankakee marshes, contrary to Common opinion, are elevated lands, about 600 feet above sea level, 160 feet above the Wabash at Lafayette, and eighty-five feet above Lake Michigan at Michigan City. The entire feasibility of drainage and recovery of this vast tract of country needs no further proof than tills statement of general levels, and as an economic and sanitary measure there is none more important. The general and important fact in reference to the flat marshes of the State, which in the earlier history of the country were great reservoirs of malaria, is that they are elevated table lands, susceptible of complete drainage and composed of soil of great fertility. This subject of drainage was considered by the State Legislature last winter, and the Governor was authorized to make a survey of the Kankakee, and an appropriation of $5,000 was made for the purpose. East and northeast from Indianapolis the summit level is higher than it is through the central, north and south section, the attitude at Lewisville, on the P., C. and St. L. Railway, being 1,140 feet, and of the table lands in the north part of Wayne county about 1,200 feet. According to the report of Hon. J. L. Williams, of Fort Wayne, the highest ground in the State is near the source of White River, White Water and Big Miami Rivers, in Randolph county, southeast from Winchester, and is 1,250 feet above sea level. Call and examine my stock and get prices. I can save you money. Hardman, the Jeweler. Small profits and quick sales a specialty at Tharp’s.