Chesapeake

Indiana's ghost towns are canal towns, coal camps, and railroad stops the interstates finished off.

Chesapeake was the first town in Steuben Township, Warren County, Indiana, which was formed in 1834. It was located about two miles east of present-day town of Marshfield and was the site of the first meetings of the township trustees in the 1830s. County Agent Luther Tillotson lived south of the town and may have had some involvement in its creation. Chesapeake consisted of at least several houses, a country store operated by William Newell and Thomas Washburn, and a blacksmith shop. There was also a school house there named for the town for many years, but this also is gone.

The on-the-ground condition of Chesapeake is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Chesapeake is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Chesapeake is roughly 40.2446, -87.4432 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.