Indianapolis News and HeadlinesIndianapolis Local NewsHamilton CountyFishers

Actions

The real 'Battle of Mudsock': The history of Fishers you didn't know about

Posted at 7:56 PM, Oct 30, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-31 00:41:56-04

FISHERS, Ind. - It's a part of history that most people who live in Fishers have never even heard about before. Soon though, it will become the subject of a local production that's raising money for a good cause.

You might know the 'Battle of Mudsock' as the yearly football game between Hamilton Southeastern High School and Fishers High School. 

But, how about the real 'Battle of Mudsock'? Well, that happened back in 1881 where 116th Street and Municipal Drive now sit. That's about where Sharp Printing Services is today - across the street from the city center. 

There was a huge fight between the people in two saloons located across the street from each other, according to Officer Robert Bowling, Fishers Police Department historian. 

The battle began on a Saturday and didn't end until Sunday. Bowling says one person was killed and more than 30 others were hurt.  

According to Bowling, Fishers was a lawless town in 1881. Plus, he says the nearby railroad brought in a lot of drifters, which along with whiskey consumption, may have helped contribute to the fight.

The battle made national headlines in newspapers from Buffalo, New York and Austin, Texas. Bowling says one of the saloons burned to the ground after the brawl, and the other abruptly closed. To top it all off, the 'Battle of Mudsock' happened one month after the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. 

The Fishers Police Department, the Fishers Fire Department and the Nickel Plate Players are teaming up to put on a re-enactment of the "Battle of Mudsock'. Tickets are $12 online at: battleofmudsock.com and are $15 at the gate. There will be food and drinks as well. It's all happening November 10th at The Historic Ambassador House and Heritage Gardens on Eller Road in Fishers.

Proceeds from the re-enactment will go toward helping the Fishers Police Foundation, the Fishers Fire Foundation and The Ambassador House.

MORE TOP STORIES | Woman says men followed her and her daughter around Fishers Kroger store | Hamilton County teachers found dead in murder-suicideBungee cord causedcrashon I-465 | Toddler drowns increekafter sneaking out of Noblesville home | Marion Dollar General closed byhealthdepartment for rodents

Top Trending Videos