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WARNING: Squirrels Ahead
quirrels are starting to stampede into Hamilton County in anticipation of the anniversary of the Great Squirrel Stampede of 1822. You probably read that sentence more than once and yes, it does say “Great Squirrel Stampede”. Envision a swarm of squirrels rampaging through fields, destroying crops, and scaring the locals. Sourcing several historic journals and diaries, Hamilton County Historian David Heighway compiled a list of several first-hand examples in an article he wrote for the Hamilton County East Public Library,
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“At one time this (Squirrel Stampede) was dismissed as folklore, but since Mr. Shirts’ parents were among the first settlers of Hamilton County, he probably heard it first-hand. Allowing for some discrepancy in dates, there are plenty of eyewitnesses to this flood of rodents, as well as modern scientific justification.” While these rodents no longer migrate for food, evidence of squirrel emigration dates back centuries. For more about the Great Squirrel Stampede, check out this blog: hepl.lib.in.us/the-great-squirrel-stampede.
Hamilton County Tourism has enlisted local communities to plan squirrel-related activities, events and specials in September to celebrate this unusual event. However, squirrel fever has already invaded our community. Gal’s Guide Library built a Nut House for Fairyville and hosted a visit from the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl. Promise Road Elementary Art Teacher Darlene Patterson created a whole lesson for her students to create their own digital collages based on the Great Squirrel Stampede, and, hopefully, those images will be available in an online gallery later this year. Nickel Plate Arts is working with local groups to plan Noblesville’s squirrely celebration and are brainstorming things from tail-shaking dances, to artsy squirrel-decorating, to permanent squirrel art, to squirrel-inspired theater.
Be on the lookout (and guard your acorns) for squirrels throughout Hamilton County! To get
involved with this nutty celebration, contact Ryan at rshelton@nickelplatearts.org or scan the QR code!
Squirrel illustration by Aili McGill
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