Writer / Janelle Morrison
In June 2014, we brought you the riveting history of Roberts Settlement located in northern Hamilton County and of the families’ annual homecoming celebration. The descendants of Elijah Roberts, Hansel Roberts and Micajah Walden are celebrating the installation of a historical maker received by the Indiana Historical Bureau at their July 4th Homecoming gathering.
The Indiana Marker Program Manager Casey Pfeiffer spoke on behalf of the Indiana Historical Bureau. “On Saturday, July 2, 2016, the Indiana Historical Bureau welcomed the addition of a new historical marker to the Indiana State Historical Marker Collection when we helped commemorate Roberts Settlement in Atlanta, Indiana,” Pfeiffer said.
“Roberts Settlement was one of several early rural settlements in the state that was established by free people of color. In the beginning of the 19th century, racial tension in the South greatly jeopardized free blacks’ economic, social and religious rights. As a result, many migrated north in search of greater freedoms.
“Free African Americans founded Roberts Settlement in 1835. The Indiana Historical Bureau is excited to help unveil this new marker for Roberts Settlement at the upcoming dedication ceremony, which will appropriately take place during the Settlement’s annual homecoming celebration.
Brenda Myers, the president and CEO of Visit Hamilton County, is dedicated to assisting the families and related organizations to ensure that the history, the Roberts Chapel and its future will be preserved for all of time. “The Roberts Chapel and settlement story is iconic for Hamilton County,” Myers expressed. “This marker will showcase how important this location is, but I encourage those interested in the county’s history to use this as an opportunity to dig deeper. The settlement is about opportunity, access, connectivity and community … family.
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