Near Atlanta in Hamilton County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Roberts Settlement

Photographed By Duane Hall, October 13, 2016

1. Roberts Settlement Marker

Front Side

Inscription. Free people of color left the South starting in the 1820s as threats to freedom and property escalated with slavery expansion. In 1835, Hansel and Elijah Roberts and Micajah Walden of North Carolina bought land in Hamilton County near anti-slavery Quakers. By 1838, Roberts Settlement farmers owned over 900 acres. In 1847, residents built school and church meetinghouse.

Association with Wesleyan Methodism by late 1840s fostered ties with neighbors. Agricultural fortunes improved after the railroad’s arrival in 1850s. By 1870, Roberts included over 200 residents and 1700 acres. Emphasis on education prepared new generations for college and careers such as medicine, law, and clergy. Descendants celebrate annually since 1924.

Erected 2016 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Fall Creek Questers No. 758, Hamilton County Tourism, Inc., and descendants of Roberts Settlement. (Marker Number 29.2016.1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers, and the Quakerism series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.

Location. 40° 11.423′ N, 86° 6.83′

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W. Marker is near Atlanta, Indiana, in Hamilton County. Marker is on E. 276th Street, 0.8 miles east of U.S. 31, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Atlanta IN 46031, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ryan White (1971-1990) (approx. 4.7 miles away); Boxley Homestead (approx. 6.7 miles away); Indiana Celebration Point Of History (approx. 6.7 miles away); Tipton County (Indiana) World War I and II Memorial (approx. 6.8 miles away); Tipton County (Indiana) Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.9 miles away); Land Between The Rivers (approx. 7.4 miles away); General John Tipton (approx. 7.4 miles away); Tipton County Courthouse (approx. 7.4 miles away).

Also see . . .
1. IHB Annotated Text for Marker. The Indiana Historical Bureau (IHB) provides notes giving explanations and comments on the marker’s inscription. The link is to the IHB page for the marker with the annotated text. (Submitted on October 21, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)

2. Roberts Settlement. Extensive website from the descendants of the Roberts Settlement (Submitted on October 17, 2016.)

3. Roberts Chapel - National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. (Submitted on October 17, 2016.)

Photographed By Duane Hall, October 13, 2016

2. Roberts Settlement Marker

Back Side

1858 Roberts Chapel and Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, October 13, 2016

3. 1858 Roberts Chapel and Cemetery

View to north from E. 276th Street

Graves of Elijah Roberts and His Wife Kiziah image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, October 13, 2016

4. Graves of Elijah Roberts and His Wife Kiziah

Graves of Hansel Roberts and Family image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, October 13, 2016

5. Graves of Hansel Roberts and Family

Roberts Chapel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Trevor L Whited, February 20, 2023

6. Roberts Chapel

Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 423 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 17, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 6. submitted on February 21, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana.