| A "Plat" is a
map showing planned or actual features of an area (streets and building
lots, etc.) Platting, then, is the act of drawing the plat.
According to the Canal Society of Indiana (in their 2001
publication entitled "Whitewater Canal", page 49,) "the town of Metamora
sits on land previously owned by the Indians and acquired from them on
September 30, 1809.
"This treaty, the third with the Native Americans, is
known as the Twelve-Mile Purchase. The land, once passed to the
Federal government, was available for settlement.
"The 160 acres on which Metamora stands was originally
issued to Larkin Sims on October 22, 1811 through a government land grant.
Then on July 6, 1812 it was assigned to David Mount, a member of the
Territorial House of Representatives and later of the Indiana House and
Senate.
"The land soon became the home of Mount, a few other
settlers and some 11 "squatters." When the first Post Office was
established (April 1826) the town was listed on the register as "Duck
Creek Crossing."
"Duck Creek Crossing quickly prospered due to the rich
farm land of the Whitewater Valley. Many businesses were started. David
Mount and William Holland platted the town of three acres on March 20,
1838."
Mrs. John A. Matson encouraged the town's name be
changed to "Metamora". She chose the name, fashionable at the time,
from a successful
New York play character of an Indian Chief.
On June 11, 1838 the town became officially known as
Metamora. |
