The land where Wabash sits was purchased from Potawatomi and Miami Indians at the Treaty of Paradise Spring in 1826. According to the North Manchester Historical Society, the first to sign the treaty on the hilltop above the Wabash River was Gov. Lewis Cass of Michigan. He was followed by Gov. James Ray of Indiana and an Indian Agent, Gen. John Tipton.
One Indian chief to sign was Richardville, or Pechewa, a Miami chief and Little Turtle’s nephew. Richardville was white but was taken as a young boy. He grew to become a great chief and negotiator. Regardless, the scope of the treaty provided for the Indians to sell all the land north of the Wabash River.
At that time, there were nearly 65,000 settlers in Indiana, plus many thousand Indians. To bring supplies to the masses, the Wabash and Erie Canal reached the area in the 1830s.
In 1880, Wabash was one of the first American cities to install electric lights.
Today, Wabash is a town of less than 10,000 and has a vibrant downtown. It has become a destination because of popular entertainment scheduled year-round at the Honeywell Center. That and the fabulously refurbished Charley Creek Inn, which we’ve written about in the past, makes for a great evening out. The Twenty Restaurant inside this boutique hotel is special.
Downtown Locations to Check-out
Located in the circa-1898 S. J. Payne Building, Market Street Grill has been under the guidance of Bill Gerding since 1986. It’s known for Bill’s signature dish, Indiana red “chili with an attitude." This recipe has won awards around the country, including the Wabash Cannonball cook-off. The menu claims “damned near 3-million gallons served."
Market Street Grill walls are adorned with Americana memorabilia, including a number of collector items, such as a miniature Lionel freight train. Collector signage is also abundant as are the many antique items. The ambience immediately puts you in a comfort zone.
The current menu is limited, but besides chili, there are salads, sandwiches, build-your-own burger and another signature dish: fish and chips. The salads are particularly large and can be ordered as an entrée or a side. The Greek salad is a favorite, according to Venessa, bartender extraordinaire and a 17-year veteran at Market Street Grill.
Besides fish and chips, other favorites are the humongous breaded tenderloin (Venessa claims: “It’s the best in the area”), the BBQ brisket grill and an interesting grilled bacon, tomato and cheese.
Of the 11 sides offered, the onion rings always jump out. These rings are exceptional. The breading was light, crisp and perfectly done. We would go back just for those.
Gayle, my wife, went with the chili. Her cup had more beans than meat, but it was still real chili.
I decided to build my own burger with pepper jack cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion and pickle. It was an excellent choice. That and a serving of their home-made potato salad was quite filling. The potato salad was particularly interesting with bite-sized chunks of red potatoes (with skin left on), small bits of celery and red pepper. It was a good choice.
On weekends, there’s always a dinner special. Last weekend, walleye was featured. Prior to that, seared scallops were featured.
Market Street is Thriving
Market Street is lined with boutiques, resale shops, a coffee shop (Modoc’s Market is a must visit), a bridal shop, the wine and cheese and ice cream/candy shops at the Charley Creek Inn and a huge antique mall.
The Inn's shops are particularly interesting. Featured are Wisconsin cheeses and California wines. There’s also a large inventory of craft whiskeys, including some that are quite rare in these parts.
Further west on Market Street is the Honeywell Center, which also includes Eugenia’s Restaurant. They currently offer a limited menu and are only open for lunch on weekdays. Bowls, pasta dishes made at the table and paninis are featured.
If you want a great day trip, Wabash is an easy hour drive from Lake Country and while there, you night check out Gallery 64 over on Canal Street.
