Earliest Settlers

     A rare volume entitled “Vawter Family in Indiana” owned by the Madison – Jefferson County Library contains an historical record left by one James Burns. He wrote that upon reaching this stronghold, situated on what was called Harbert’s creek named after William Harbert who built his cabin there in 1811, people ran out and closed the gates, thinking we were Indians.”

     Burns went on to say that the blockhouse near Wirt, was a square enclosing about a ½ acre.  In each of four corners were log houses.  Four or five families were living inside the Blockhouse.

     Eventually the Indians left and the settlers located inside the proving ground grew to some 500 families by 1940 when they were moved out by the government.

     The animals were first. The Indians roamed thru the woods and were replaced by the Farmers. The Farmers were replaced by The Army. The Army was replaced by the Animals –a true circle of life--

     Harbert’s Creek runs thru the southern part of Jefferson Proving Ground flowing from Kruger Lake, now a county park. Harbert’s Creek empties into Grahmn Creek West of Volga.

     During an interview with Risk Bentley at his home near the Railroad and the JPG Fence (Wirt Station), he pointed out that the ruins could still be found (1988)