Miami Tribe Designates Historic Chief Richardville House

The tribe adds the site to its register to honor the 200th anniversary of the 1826 Treaty of Mississinewa.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Native American

Screen-print poster illustration of a 19th-century brick house, honoring the historical preservation efforts of the Miami Tribe. — The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma has formally added the historic Chief Richardville House in Fort Wayne to its tribal register, honoring the 1826 treaty. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should tribal organizations lead efforts to preserve historic properties in your local community?

The Miami Tribe has formally added the Chief Richardville House in Fort Wayne to its own tribal National Register of Historic Places. The move arrives as part of commemorative efforts marking the 200th anniversary of the 1826 Treaty of Mississinewa.

Why it matters

This designation reaffirms the tribal connection to a vital piece of Midwest history as the region prepares to observe the bicentennial of a landmark treaty. It also secures financial support for ongoing preservation efforts at the property.

The Chief Richardville House, a Greek Revival structure built in 1827, is recognized as the oldest Native American building in the Midwest. The Miami Tribe has committed $2,500 toward the upcoming remodeling of the house's porch.

The players

Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville

He served as the principal chief of the Miami Nation from 1818 until his death in 1841.

Miami Tribe

This federally recognized sovereign nation maintains its historical and cultural heritage through initiatives like the tribal National Register of Historic Places.

Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society

This organization owns and manages local historic properties to preserve the heritage of Fort Wayne and the surrounding region.

The details

The Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society, which purchased the property in 1991, continues to maintain the house on Bluffton Road. The site was previously recognized at the federal level by the National Park Service in 1997 and as a National Historic Landmark in 2012.

1818: Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville begins serving as principal chief of the Miami Nation.
1826: The Treaty of Mississinewa is signed.
1827: The Greek Revival style home is constructed.
1841: Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville passes away.
October 24, 2026: A ceremony takes place to announce the house's addition to the tribal register.

Culture Shift

The establishment of a tribal-specific register functions similarly to the National Register of Historic Places by codifying indigenous cultural priority. This reflects a broader trend of sovereign nations reclaiming authority over the identification and protection of their own heritage sites.

Residents in Fort Wayne can continue to visit the Chief Richardville House as the Historical Society moves forward with renovations. The tribal support ensures the site remains a functional educational resource for those interested in local history.

The takeaway

This preservation effort highlights how historical anniversaries can catalyze direct investment into the maintenance of regional landmarks. The project serves as a reminder of the historical significance of the 1826 Treaty of Mississinewa in shaping the local landscape.