Page "Elkhart, Indiana" Paragraph 2

At the beginning of the 19th century, the area now known as Elkhart was mainly inhabited by the Ottawa, Chippewa, and Potawatomi Indian tribes.

In 1829, the Village of Pulaski was established, consisting of a Post Office, mill, and a few houses on the north side of the St. Joseph River.

Two years later, Dr. Havilah Beardsley moved westward from Ohio and purchased one square mile of land from Pierre Moran ( a half French, half Native American Potawatomi Chief ) in order to establish a rival town named Elkhart.

In 1839, the Pulaski Post Office was officially changed to Elkhart.