Morocco
is a town of about 1,100 in Beaver Township in Newton County. John and Jane
Murphy, the first white settlers to Beaver Township, arrived in 1838. John platted the town of Morocco in 1851.
The
local legend is that while clearing the land, John and others met a man passing
through wearing Moroccan leather boots, and the town became known as Morocco. A
red boot is displayed prominently on the sign along SR 41 welcoming visitors to
the town.
Drivers
on SR 41 will also see a sign showcasing baseball player Sam Rice, who was born
in Morocco. Rice was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1963.
Sources:
- Baker, R. L. (1995). From Needmore to Prosperity : Hoosier place names in folklore and history. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
- (2009). Newton County : Interim report. [Indianapolis: Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana,].
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