The Loop Island Wetlands is a 42 acre tract of environmentally and historically significant swampland located at the confluence of Silver Creek
and the Ohio River in New Albany, Indiana.

The site has yielded archeological and geological treasures as documented by local students from Indiana University Southeast and other state agencies. 

Animal life thrives in the area. It is known to contain at times nearly 75 different species of fish and over 175 species of birds and waterfowl. 

A small bluff overlooking the Ohio River was once a “dueling ground” for Kentucky politicians because the practice was illegal in their state. Speaker of the House, Henry Clay was actually wounded at the site in the 1809.

About the time of the Civil War, a leather tanning factory was built at the site, and soon began the dumping of reddish-brown water into the swamp. The water contained harmless organic dyes for the tanning of the hides, but the locals thought this to be animal blood from cattle. The area’s lake was then called the “Blood Pond”.

After nearly 100 years of by-product discharge into the swamp, a wastewater processing plant was built at the factory, and the effluent began to meet EPA standards. As a result, the swamp eventually began to recover. In the 1990s, the tanning plant ceased operations which further facilitated the rehabilitation of the wetlands.

The site was purchased from the leather company by a man named Albert Goodman, a local Professional Engineer who has spent his life designing wastewater systems for industry and municipalities. His commitment to cleaning up the site has yielded easier access to anyone wishing to tour the property. Mr. Goodman has worked tirelessly with the Ohio River Greenway Commission in order to facilitate the Greenway being a part of the wetlands, further improving access for all. 

Samtec Associates volunteer their time and energy to help maintain the property by clearing trees, making repairs, picking up trash, and providing financial support.

Photographs property of Albert Goodman.

February 2009