How Elkhart got its Name

 Am informational  bulletin at Island Park explains how Elkhart Indiana got its name.  It was called An-na-wa-wah by the Potawatomi.  This means Elk's heart.  It seems the Native American people thought the shape of the island resembled and elk's heart.  My vote is they should have stuck with the Native American name.  

The island looks long for a heart, but I have never scene an elk's heart.

Havilah Beardsley: Founder of Elkhart City

 Off of Beardsley, a couple blocks west of Main Street is a memorial to Havilah Beardsley.  Says he purchased the land from the Native Americans, laid out the city and established the first flour mill, wood mill and card mill.  He was the first doctor as well.