Camp Allen marker removed to review its historical accuracy.
The Camp Allen marker on the southeast corner of Center and Huron streets was reported missing last week by Marianne Hughes, a volunteer for the Indiana Historical Bureau. However, the marker hasn't been stolen; it is in the possession of the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department for a good cause: evaluation for potential restoration.
Erected in 1963 by the Indiana Civil War Centennial Commission, the marker reported Camp Allen operated from 1861-1864, with Colonel Hugh B. Reed serving as its first Commandant. The marker also states that the 30th, 44th, 74th, 88th and 100th Indiana Regiments and the 11th Indiana Battery were organized at Camp Allen.
Currently, the information on the marker is under review by the Indiana Historical Bureau. Since 2009 the bureau has been reviewing historical markers from 40 to 50 years old to verify historical accuracy.
According to Dani Pfaff, state marker manager for the Indiana Historical Bureau, older marker applications are especially important to review because they did not require the submission of primary source materials. The bureau's marker application has since changed. .
According to the Indiana Historical Bureau's website, newspaper sources and the 1865 Report of the Adjunct General confirm the accuracy of the Camp Allen marker except for the date in the title.
Pfaff said some markers have already been removed as the bureau works with the Public History Department at IUPUI during the verification process.
Pfaff said the bureau continues to review “the text of all 500 markers” throughout Indiana to provide “accurate information to the public.”
