Spy Run in Fort Wayne in Allen County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Chief Little Turtle
1752 - 1812
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 20, 2009
1. Chief Little Turtle Marker
of the Miami Indians
Teacher of his people
Friend of the United States
His endeavors toward peace
should serve as an inspiration
for future generations
This plot of ground, the last
resting place of Chief Little
Turtle, is dedicated to the
children of America and made
a public park in 1959
through the generosity of
Eleanor Smeltzly and
Mary Catherine Smeltzly
Under the auspices of the
Allen County - Fort Wayne
Historical Society
Erected by Allen County - Fort Wayne Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1959.
Location. 41° 5.484′ N, 85° 7.938′ W. Marker is in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in Allen County. It is in Spy Run. Marker is on Lawton Place, 0.1 miles east of Spy Run Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 664 Lawton Place, Fort Wayne IN 46805, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Meshekinnoquah (here, next to this marker); Site of Last French Fort (approx. 0.2 miles away); William Wells (approx. 0.2 miles
this page online
More about this marker. This historical marker is located about 0.5 miles due north of the point where the St. Mary's and St. Joseph's Rivers come together to form the Maumee River. It is located just east of Spy Run Avenue, in the middle of a residential neighborhood, about 0.1 west of the St. Joseph River.
Regarding Chief Little Turtle. In the Wikipedia link, when discussing the legacy of Chief Little Turtle, the following information is shared; "In 1911, a very old grave was accidentally discovered by a homebuilder on Lawton Place in Fort Wayne. Research showed that the tomb was indeed that of Michikinikwa. The sword given to him by George Washington was found in the grave and is now in the Ft. Wayne and Allen County Historical Society
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 20, 2009
2. Chief Little Turtle Marker
View of the large rock that this historical marker is affixed to.
"In 1959, the site was purchased by the Smeltzly sisters of Fort Wayne, with the express desire of holding up Little Turtle's peacemaking efforts "as an example to future generations" and donated to the city as a public park 'dedicated to the children of America.' In 1994, the memorial was improved with additional markers and a trust established for its maintenance."
Also see . . . Wikipedia entry for Michikinikwa. (Submitted on July 25, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
Additional commentary.
1. Clean Up of Grave Site
The Spy Run Neighborhood Association is working with the Fort Wayne City Parks department to revamp and clean up the Little Turtle grave site. It has been neglected for years. Overgrowth from the native plant life, as well as graffiti, has made a mess of the memorial. Improvements will restore it to the original place of honor. More updates to come.
— Submitted October 23, 2013, by Jerry Huffman of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 20, 2009
3. Chief Little Turtle Marker
View of the small park, in the middle of a residential neighborhood, that was created for Chief Little Turtle.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 27, 2016
4. Chief Little Turtle Sculpture
Photographed By Tom Bosse, June 3, 2023
5. Chief Little Turtle Marker
This site honors the great Chief of the Miamis, Mesheknnoqua, "The Little Turtle", son of Chief Acquenacque, 1751-1821.
He is held in the hearts of his people, allies and foes with the highest honor and respect for his courage, valor and peacemaking.
Photographed By Tom Bosse, June 3, 2023
6. Chief Little Turtle Marker
"I have been the last to sign this treaty, I will be the last to break it."
Spoken by Little Turtle at the signing of the Treaty of Greenville, August 3, 1795.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 5,082 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 24, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 4. submitted on December 19, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 5, 6. submitted on July 4, 2023, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
