Home of “Turtle Town, USA,” Whitley County has the highest number on Indiana license plates, 92, because it’s last alphabetically in Indiana’s counties list. Whitley County also has six landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places, including the former home of Thomas R. Marshall, the 28th U.S. vice president.

Shell-ebrating a local legend 

Churubusco, Indiana, hosts a four-day festival each year to honor Oscar the Turtle, also known as the “Beast of Busco.” In 1948, residents claimed to have spotted a snapping turtle at Fulks Lake, describing it as having a shell as large as a dining table and a head the size of a child’s. Publications like the “Indianapolis Star” and “Life Magazine” came to cover the story, and nearly 400 cars an hour would drive by the lake to catch a glimpse of Oscar. However, Oscar was never captured or seen again, and Fulks Lake was eventually drained. The Turtle Days Festival at Churubusco Community Park celebrates this folklore with turtle races, baby crawling contests, carnival snacks, a parade, fireworks, and more.

Honoring Whitley’s heritage

Whitley County celebrates its residents each year with the Old Settlers’ Days Festival. The first gathering was held at Loon Lake in 1904, where attendees registered to create a permanent record of the community’s pioneers. Today, the festival honors the county’s oldest registered resident, longest continuous resident, and youngest resident. Their names are added to a plaque displayed at the Whitley County Historical Museum. The festival’s organizing committee,
the Old Settlers’ Association, has donated more than $750,000 to the community through grants supporting local non-profits.

Building a gathering place

In 1949, Jerome Krider, the president of the Turtle Days Festival and Churubusco Little League, recognized a need for a permanent space for community gatherings and Boy Scout activities. Joe Luckey, the president of Churubusco State Bank, donated two acres of land for a new park. By 1951, a log cabin-style community building was built. Krider also helped construct the park’s basketball courts and baseball diamonds that are actively used today. The Churubusco Community Park now spans more than 60 acres and includes flower gardens, a splash pad, soccer fields, and more. 

County facts

Founded: 1835

Named For:  Col. William Whitley,
who fought in the Northwest Indian War and the War
of 1812

Population: 34,191

County seat: Columbia City

Indiana county number: 92          

Nicole Thomas is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.