The Sagamore of the Wabash is an honorary award in the state of Indiana. It is given by the Governor of Indiana under their own criteria, and there is no official record kept of all previous recipients.[1]
The award was first created by Governor Ralph F. Gates to compete with the Kentucky Colonel title, with the first two Sagamores being Robert A. Taft and Simeon Willis. The title was later given to those who had contributed to Indiana life: several recipients have been associated with Indiana University (IU), with former president Herman B Wells receiving the award six times. Other recipients have included astronauts (Gus Grissom), athletes (Michael Brinegar, Ray LeBlanc), comedians (David Letterman), musicians (Willie Nelson), and presidents (George H. W. Bush).
At least one fictional character has been the recipient of an award, being Garfield (creator Jim Davis received an award four years prior).
Recipients
References
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- ^ a b "Kentucky Has Colonels; We Have Sagamores". The Herald. July 20, 1966. p. 40. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "Sagamores and Sycamores". The Indianapolis News. February 10, 1949. p. 10. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f "6 Made "Sagamores of the Wabash"". The Terre Haute Tribune. October 12, 1950. p. 17. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "'Sagamore of Wabash' Honor for Newman". The Terre Haute Tribune. December 26, 1963. p. 15. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "Large Crowd Welcomes Gus". Mitchell Tribune. June 3, 1965. p. 1. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
- ^ "Dr. Hine, Retiring IPI Chancellor, Honored". The Indianapolis Star. June 21, 1973. p. 28. Archived from the original on January 4, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ "Sagamore of Wabash". The Indianapolis Star. June 28, 1973. p. 32. Archived from the original on January 4, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ a b "Quentin Blachly was civic and political leader". The Indianapolis Star. January 9, 1997. p. 46. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "Gill Receives Sagamore of Wabash Award". The Indianapolis Star. May 3, 1975. p. 7. Archived from the original on December 25, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
- ^ "Indiana Confers Red Man's Honor On a Real Indian – For First Time". The Miami Herald. October 15, 1975. p. 26. Archived from the original on December 25, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
- ^ Dunaway, Finis (November 23, 2017). "The 'Crying Indian' ad that fooled the environmental movement". Chicago Tribune. p. 26. Archived from the original on December 25, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
- ^ "IU 'Sagamore' knighted". Muncie Evening Press. December 8, 1980. p. 5. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "A new Sagamore". The Indianapolis Star. May 16, 1981. p. 44. Archived from the original on January 4, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ "New U.S. Treasurer talks tough on need for 'Reagan's economics'". The Indianapolis Star. June 25, 1981. p. 34. Archived from the original on January 4, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- ^ "Maureen Reagan Promises Announcement Next Week". The Indianapolis News. October 30, 1981. p. 11. Archived from the original on December 25, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
- ^ "A Little flirting never hurt anybody". UPI. January 28, 1983. Archived from the original on December 25, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
- ^ a b Neal, Andrea (June 21, 1983). "Bush is 'confident' he, Reagan will run again". The Times-Mail. p. 3. Archived from the original on December 25, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
- ^ Blum, Peter (January 8, 1988). "Behold Garfield the Cat, Sagamore of Wabash". The Indianapolis News. p. 2. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ "Historian Awarded Sagamore \access-date=January 9, 2025". Journal and Courier. July 5, 1984.
- ^ Jacobs, Julie (August 20, 1986). "Willie harvests another crop of fans". The Indianapolis News. p. 26. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "Garfield, on Sagamore honor: 'It's about time'". Journal and Courier. January 9, 1988. p. 4. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ "Merle H. Miller, prominent attorney". The Indianapolis Star. January 9, 1997. p. 46. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "John F. Houston, Sr., Obituary".
- ^ "Professor honored as Sagamore of the Wabash". Journal and Courier. September 6, 1990. p. 11. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "Civil Defense Chief Named a Sagamore". The Star Press. December 21, 1990. p. 28. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "Olympian LeBlanc Is Called Up by Blackhawks". The Los Angeles Times. March 10, 1992. p. C10. Archived from the original on December 25, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
- ^ Leonard, Debbie (August 24, 1994). "VU staffer named 'Sagamore'". The Vincennes Sun-Commercial. p. 1. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
- ^ "Filipinos honored by Indiana governor". Heritage: A Magazine of Filipino Culture, Arts and Letters. 10 (1): 5. Spring 1996.
- ^ Ross, JR (June 11, 1997). "IU chancellor honored again". Journal and Courier. p. 14. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ Stephens, Dave (July 4, 2002). "Retired head, pioneer dies". Purdue Exponent. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
- ^ Schmidtknecht, Debbie (February 16, 2001). "Summers named a Sagamore". The Vincennes Sun-Commercial. p. 2. Archived from the original on February 22, 2023. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ a b Chipman, Ida (January 5, 2005). "Kiyoko Ikeda honored". The South Bend Tribune. p. E1. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "Nass is named Sagamore of Wabash". The Herald. December 22, 2006. p. 11. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
- ^ Koch, Gail (September 8, 2007). "Letterman". The Star Press. p. 2. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "IU's Ostrom awarded Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Daniels". newsinfo.iu.edu. December 22, 2009. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ a b "Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Receive Sagamore of the Wabash". Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ a b "State Rep. Zent presents Sagamore of the Wabash awards". 2015-12-04. Retrieved 2025-07-15.
- ^ "Reck receives IU President's Medal and Sagamore of the Wabash". newsinfo.iu.edu. April 18, 2013. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ "Rep. Karickhoff awards Sagamore of the Wabash". 2013-07-27. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ "Rep. Ober awards Sagamore of the Wabash". 2013-12-11. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ "Lawmaker to present Sagamore Award to Wilber Curry". 2014-01-11. Retrieved 2025-07-15.
- ^ a b "Rep. McNamara awards Sagamore of the Wabash". 2014-05-15. Retrieved 2025-07-14.
- ^ "Rep. McNamara awards Sagamore of the Wabash". 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ "Local community leader receives Indiana's highest honor". 2014-08-21. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ "Rep. Karickhoff presents E.P. Severns with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award". 2014-07-01. Retrieved 2025-07-14.
- ^ "Rep. Karickhoff presents Ron Metz with the Sagamore Award". 2014-11-13. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ "Rep. Karickhoff presents Judy Dennis with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award". 2015-08-30. Retrieved 2025-07-14.
- ^ "Rep. Zent presents Sagamore of the Wabash award". 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2025-07-14.
- ^ a b c d e "State Rep. Zent presents Sagamore of the Wabash awards". 2015-12-04. Retrieved 2025-07-15.
- ^ "Jack Eugene Howey's Obituary (2019) The Indianapolis Star". Legacy.com. Archived from the original on 2022-11-29. Retrieved 2022-11-29.
- ^ Miller, Marissa (2016-05-20). "Donald Davidson honored with Sagamore of the Wabash award". WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic. Archived from the original on 2022-10-12. Retrieved 2022-10-12.
- ^ Trares, Ryan (2016-06-22). "'I was almost in tears'". Daily Journal. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ Trares, Ryan (2016-06-22). "'I was almost in tears'". Daily Journal. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ "Harman presents Sagamore of the Wabash to Plymouth native". 2016-06-24. Retrieved 2025-07-15.
- ^ "Karickhoff presents Sagamore to Kokomo volunteer". 2016-07-27. Retrieved 2025-07-15.
- ^ a b "Longtime Firefighter Honored". The Republic. July 22, 2017. p. B7. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ ""Spafford Recognized With One of the Indiana's Highest Honors"". Purdue CERIAS news item. November 19, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ "McNamara presents Sagamore of the Wabash award to Evansville resident". 2016-11-01. Retrieved 2025-07-15.
- ^ "Rep. Friend receives Sagamore of the Wabash". 2016-12-27. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ "Adam Vinatieri receives Indiana's Sagamore of the Wabash Award". 2017-02-06. Retrieved 2025-01-25.
- ^ Staff Reports (2017-12-24). "Jennings woman given award for helping elderly, children". The Republic News. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
- ^ "Karickhoff presents outgoing Bona Vista CEO with Sagamore of the Wabash". 2019-03-18. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
- ^ "University Library Dean David Lewis designated Sagamore of the Wabash". News at IU. April 4, 2018. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ Staff (February 12, 2019). "Gov. Holcomb presents Maureen McFadden with Indiana's highest honor". WNDU-TV. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
- ^ Borlik, Kathy (March 10, 2019). "Wrapping Up". South Bend Tribune. p. F1. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
- ^ a b "Speedy honors Hoosiers for going the extra mile for vets". 2019-03-18. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ Skinner, Anna (November 12, 2019). "Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear receives Sagamore of the Wabash". Current Publishing.
- ^ "Indiana's oldest state employee receives Sagamore of the Wabash". Fox 59. 2016-12-22. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
- ^ Brown, Brent (February 2020). "Bob Vollmer, 102-year-old DNR surveyor, announces retirement" (PDF). The Torch: The Official Newsletter for Indiana State Employees. pp. 1–3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 September 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ^ Pete, Joseph S. (February 11, 2021). "Babcock receives high honor". The Times. p. A9. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
- ^ Watson, Deanna (February 17, 2021). "Ex-J&C newsman Dave Bangert awarded Sagamore". Journal and Courier. p. A4. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
- ^ Ross, Doug (March 17, 2021). "Caring Place advocate given Sagamore kudos". The Times. p. A3. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ Emery, Mike (April 7, 2021). "Reid chief presented the Sagamore of the Wabash". Palladium-Item. p. A1. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
- ^ "Sister Lenore Schwartz of Lafayette named Sagamore of the Wabash". Journal and Courier. May 30, 2021. p. A2. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
- ^ "Mel Wilhelm receives Sagamore of Wabash award". whitewaterpub.com. Archived from the original on 2022-11-19. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
- ^ Woods, Aubrey (September 21, 2021). "Davisson dies after battle with cancer". The Tribune. p. A1. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ Troup, Margaret (August 14, 2021). "Hallberg given Sagamore of the Wabash for work in diabetes research". Journal and Courier. p. A4. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
- ^ Euvino, Steve (September 26, 2021). "Schilling honored with Sagamore at St. John Oktoberfest". The Times. p. A2. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
- ^ Pete, Joseph S. (October 14, 2021). "Birder and author wins Sagamore of the Wabash". The Times. p. C2. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
- ^ "Robin Miller: A Fitting Farewell". 2021-10-05. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ Euvino, Steve (October 15, 2021). "Courthouse champion hailed". The Times. p. A3. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
- ^ Schultz, Ted (October 18, 2021). "Brinegar presented with Sagamore of the Wabash award". The Republic. p. B1. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
- ^ "Laurie Burns McRobbie Awarded Prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash". Center of Excellence for Women & Technology. November 15, 2021. Archived from the original on November 16, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ "Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb Awards Tom Jones as a Sagamore of the Wabash at Annual Silent Night Game". www.taylor.edu. December 13, 2021. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ "Clarksville School Board president honored with Sagamore of the Wabash Award". WDRB. 2022-03-16. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
- ^ "PNW Clinical Associate Professor Shontrai D. Irving awarded Sagamore of the Wabash". Purdue University Northwest. June 29, 2022. Archived from the original on July 16, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
- ^ "Jim Williams Receives Sagamore of the Wabash". DeFur Voran LLP. November 16, 2022. Archived from the original on November 16, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
- ^ Mathews, Evan (25 December 2022). "Judge Banina honored with Sagamore of the Wabash". Peru Tribune. Archived from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
- ^ "Rep. Aylesworth presents Sagamore to former NWI lawmaker". 2022-12-22. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ "Karickhoff presents Kokomo reverend with Indiana's top award". 2024-01-27. Retrieved 2025-07-15.
- ^ "Andrew R. Klein". Office of the Chancellor. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
- ^ "Culp presents Rensselaer native, WWII veteran with Indiana's top award". 2023-09-15. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ Mayor Steve Collier Awarded Sagamore Wabash https://www.cityoflawrence.org/news/2023/10/23/mayor-steve-collier-awarded-sagamore-wabash
- ^ "Gov. Eric Holcomb honors Fairbanks Dean Paul Halverson with Sagamore of the Wabash award: News: News & Events: Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health: IUPUI". News at IU. 2023-11-27. Archived from the original on 2023-11-27. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
- ^ "Carmel mayor receives state's top honor, unveils Songbook museum agreement at final State of the City event". Current Publishing. December 4, 2023.
- ^ "Rep. Wesco honors Clay Fire Territory fire chief with Indiana's top award". 2024-02-15. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ WNDU.com; Casal, Natacha (February 29, 2024). "Terry McFadden awarded Sagamore of the Wabash". WNDU-TV. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
- ^ Fritz, Matt (April 4, 2024). "Blaney receives Sagamore award for work with other-abled". La Porte County Herald-Dispatch. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
- ^ "Gov. Holcomb Surprises Craig Allebach With Sagamore Of The Wabash". Whitewater Publishing. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
- ^ Patterson, Deb (2024-07-19). "Gov. Holcomb Surprises Craig Allebach With Sagamore Of The Wabash". InkFreeNews.com. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
- ^ Spalding, Dan (2024-07-18). "Allebach honored by governor, says he's dealing with health issues". News Now Warsaw. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
- ^ "State Rep. Baird presents local retired astronaut Joseph P. Allen with Sagamore of the Wabash". 2024-10-15. Retrieved 2025-07-14.
- ^ "State Reps. Bartels, Engleman honor local dentist, volunteer with Sagamore of the Wabash". 2024-10-31. Retrieved 2025-07-14.
- ^ "Rep. Pierce presents aviation attorney and Anderson native Stephen Hofer with Sagamore of the Wabash". 2024-10-29. Retrieved 2025-07-14.
- ^ TPMA (2024-11-21). "TPMA Founder Tom Miller Honored with Sagamore of the Wabash Award at 35th Anniversary Gala". TPMA. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ "Karickhoff honors longtime Community Foundation leader with Sagamore of the Wabash". 2024-11-08. Retrieved 2025-07-15.
- ^ "Rep. Rowray presents Muncie native Kelly Stanley with Sagamore of the Wabash". 2024-11-20. Retrieved 2025-07-14.
- ^ "Anderson University President Pistole receives Sagamore of the Wabash". 2024-12-10. Retrieved 2024-12-11.
- ^ "Mung Chiang awarded Sagamore of the Wabash". 2025-01-15. Retrieved 2025-01-25.
- ^ "PSRB Partner Josh Tatum Awarded Indiana's Sagamore of the Wabash". 2025-01-09. Retrieved 2025-02-09.
- ^ "Sagamore of the Wabash Awarded to Jud Fisher". 2025-03-20. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
- ^ "Bruce Schumacher receives Sagamore of the Wabash Award". 2025-01-03. Retrieved 2025-01-25.
- ^ "Rep. Soliday receives Indiana's top award". 2025-01-14. Retrieved 2025-07-14.
- ^ "Rep. Thompson receives Indiana's top award". 2025-01-13. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "State Rep. Baird presents local World War II, Korean War veteran and hero John Hall with Sagamore of the Wabash". 2025-01-13. Retrieved 2025-07-14.
- ^ "IU President Pamela Whitten honored with Sagamore of the Wabash award". 2025-01-16. Retrieved 2025-01-25.
- ^ "Doug Boles Receives Sagamore of the Wabash Honor". 2025-01-13. Retrieved 2025-02-13.