Passing through the half dozen houses of Lexington in southern Carroll County, it takes some interesting imagination to see this place as a much bigger town. In the 1830s and 1840s Lex, as everyone calls it, was much larger by being an important crossroads in the early stage and post roads of northern Indiana.

A scenic history tour of the old 19th century stagecoach routes near Wildcat Creek is scheduled for Oct. 24 by the Promoting Wildcat Valley organization.

The old-styled trolley driven by Brian Stirm will take riders back in time to trace the evidence of these important roads winding over the countryside before the county grid system of graveled roads took over. Mark Smith and James Rich will provide history commentary.

The old towns of Prince William and Xenia are included in the tour. James Rich, who has researched the towns, said, “Today there is only one house standing in Prince William, but at one time there was a hotel and school in this bustling town on the Lafayette to Muncie stage route.”

The tour also includes Lancaster Covered Bridge, Cutler, Adams Mill, and Ball Hill. Burlington was another important crossroads because of the intersection of the Lafayette-Muncie route with the north-south Michigan Road.

Mark Smith has researched the Congressional authorizations of the stage routes as post roads to carry the mail.

“Actually we have a work in progress here,” he said. “We need more information to get a complete picture of the old towns and early roads. We are hoping that some of the people coming on the tour will share whatever interesting things they know.”

Mary Blue, president of Promoting Wildcat Valley, suggests that people join the tour to “look back in time as they follow the old stagecoach routes and have some fun. It will also benefit our Ball Hill church bell project.”

The tour is from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. It starts from Adams Mill, which will open an hour prior to the tour. Meet in the Adams Mill parking lot at 1:15 p.m. to see the old creek ford. The trolley will depart promptly at 1:30 p.m. Bring a seat cushion for greater comfort. Space is limited. Call Judy Stirm at (765) 564–6378 for reservations.

There is a suggested $10 donation (per rider), which will go to the Ball Hill Church Bell Memorial Fund.