Tucked away along the East Fork of the White River in Martin County, Hindostan Falls is a peaceful natural area with a surprisingly dramatic past. Known today for its scenic beauty and quiet trails, this spot was once home to one of Indiana’s earliest and most promising frontier towns—until a mysterious illness brought everything to a halt.
A Boomtown with Big Dreams
In the early 1800s, settlers saw great potential in the land surrounding the falls. The river offered both transportation and power, and by 1816, the town of Hindostan was officially established. Within just a few years, the town was bustling with activity and home to as many as 1,000 residents. It had a post office, a sawmill, a gristmill, a ferry, and even served as the original county seat of Martin County.
Hindostan was named by Captain Caleb Fellows, who was an English immigrant with a colorful past in the British East India Company, bringing the name back with him after his travels. For a short time, the town flourished, attracting merchants, craftsmen, and settlers from across the region.
A Sudden and Mysterious End
Unfortunately, Hindostan’s promising future was cut short. In the mid-1820s, an unidentified disease — possibly yellow fever, cholera, or malaria — swept through the town. With little medical knowledge or resources to combat the illness, the population quickly declined. Survivors moved on, the county seat was relocated to Mount Pleasant (now Shoals), and Hindostan faded into history.
No buildings remain today, and nature has reclaimed much of the land. Yet the story of Hindostan lives on, thanks to local efforts to preserve and honor its legacy.
Honoring the Past: Hindostan Days
Each fall, the community comes together for Hindostan Day, an annual event that celebrates the history of the lost town. Held near the original site of Hindostan Falls, the festival features historical reenactments, local artisan booths, food vendors, live music, kids activities, pony rides and educational exhibits about early Indiana life.
It’s a chance for visitors of all ages to learn about the early pioneers, explore the natural beauty of the area, and connect with a part of Indiana’s past that’s often overlooked. Hindostan Day brings the lost town to life for a weekend and reminds us of the people who once carved a community out of the wilderness.
The fifth annual Hindostan Day is Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A Peaceful Place to Reflect
Today, Hindostan Falls is a quiet spot ideal for picnicking, fishing, hiking, or simply sitting beside the river and reflecting on what once was. Interpretive signs provide insight into the area’s history, and the sounds of the falls offer a soothing soundtrack for your visit.
Though the town is gone, its story remains an important part of Indiana's early frontier legacy — one kept alive by local traditions, annual celebrations, and the beauty of the land that still bears its name.