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143Unfortunately, war, disease, persuasion (sometimes friendly, sometimes forceful), treaty, and land purchase, steadily pushed the Native American populations (mostly Algonquinspeaking Woodland tribes) out of Indiana. Over time, active measures were sanctioned to assure that Indian depopulation continued. In a relatively short time, the %u201cland of the Indians%u201d became a place with very few remaining. The white pioneers who replaced the Indians were usually of English, Scot-Irish, Welsh, or German descent. Most traveled north from Virginia, the Carolinas, and Kentucky, but others arrived from New England. No matter their origin, the majority took up farming, while lesser numbers chose to be clergymen, shop keepers, millers, and tradesmen. An important motivation for some to move here (particularly for Quakers), was the illegality of slavery.Because early settlers tended to be from the South, Indiana%u2019s first capitol was located at Corydon (Harrison County), not far from the Ohio River. Then, as the population rapidly expanded into the upper two-thirds of the state, the capital was moved northward to Indianapolis in 1825. Soon, the hill country of South-Central Indiana began losing the significant political influence and economic position it had once held.Today, the ten counties of South-Central Indiana are, generally, less populated and less developed than other parts of the state, and personal incomes tend to be lower. In some areas, the population has so significantly shrunk that the land, so laboriously cleared by the original white settlers, has been abandoned, and is quickly being reclaimed by seedlings. The architectural limestone industry has also declined, but it still remains important to the economy of the region. Various other manufacturing facilities have also come and gone. However, each county has its share of new industries, with the largest industrial sectors being found in Columbus (Bartholomew County) and Bloomington (Monroe County). The people who call this ten-county area home today are primarily white, including a sizable Amish community thriving in Lawrence and Orange Counties. Blacks are represented, with a few being descended from former slaves who originally came north via the underground railroad. (Leavenworth in Crawford County was one of the better-known stations on the route.) Although still relatively small, the Hispanic population is expected to grow considerably in the years ahead. The more populated counties (Bartholomew and Monroe) have citizens from every part of the globe due to their larger industrial base and, in the case of Monroe County, Indiana University.With its casual, inviting atmosphere, South-Central Indiana is well known for its warm and friendly Hoosier Hospitality. Each of the ten counties actively promotes tourism%u2014extolling the scenery, unique attractions, and amenities of which each is rightly proud. Of particular note is Nashville (Brown County), which has been an artist%u2019s colony for over a century. Its quaint downtown is filled with charming shops, galleries, and restaurants. In addition, historical and art museums offer outstanding exhibits, and the architectural tour of Columbus (Bartholomew County) offers visitors a view of buildings designed by some of the world%u2019s top architects. Many communities also host festivals throughout the warm-weather season.Of course, not to be underestimated is the pleasure of simply driving around the hills and hollows of the ten counties that make up the heart of Southern Indiana%u2014during any time of the year. On these back-county roads, you can meet interesting people, see unexpected sights, and learn more about our Hoosier heritage. Lynn Marie Bower