Chesapeake, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chesapeake, Indiana
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 Chesapeake, Indiana
Location in Warren County, Indiana
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| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Warren |
| Township | Steuben |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
47993
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| Area code(s) | 765 |
Chesapeake was a small, early settlement in Warren County, Indiana. It was the very first town in Steuben Township, which was created in 1834. Today, Chesapeake is known as a ghost town, meaning it no longer exists as a populated place.
This historic spot was located about two miles east of the modern-day town of Marshfield. In the 1830s, it was an important meeting place for the local government. The people who managed the township, called trustees, held their first meetings here. A person named Luther Tillotson, who was a county agent, lived nearby and might have helped start the town.
What Was Chesapeake Like?
Chesapeake was a small community, but it had some important buildings. There were several houses where people lived. It also had a country store, run by William Newell and Thomas Washburn, where folks could buy supplies. A blacksmith shop was also part of the town, where metal items were made and repaired.
For many years, there was a schoolhouse in Chesapeake. It was named after the town itself. However, like the rest of Chesapeake, this schoolhouse is also gone today.
Why Did Chesapeake Disappear?
Not much is known about Chesapeake, and there are no official maps or plans of the town. This means it might not have been formally laid out like other towns. An old history book from 1883 mentions that "comparatively nothing can be learned regarding this little town." It also said the village "began early and then died early." This suggests Chesapeake was a short-lived settlement that faded away over time.
Where Was Chesapeake Located?
Chesapeake was situated near a waterway called Chesapeake Creek. This creek starts in the open farmland north of where the town once stood. It then flows east and eventually joins another creek called Redwood Creek.
