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Community History...
Check out the
Lafayette area history! We've also added links to many of the great
things to see and do in Lafayette and the surrounding areas.
Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette (p. 44,622) is the seat of Tippecanoe County (p. 130,598; 502 sq. m.).
Famous as the site of the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, the county was
created in 1826, after the first whites settled in the area.
The county was named for the Tippecanoe River, which ends its 166-mile
journey when it joins the Wabash River above Lafayette. For a wonderful and
detailed account of the area's history, visit
the Tippecanoe County Historical Association's
website.
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The Wabash River, which drains all the county's streams, enters the
northeast corner and flows southwest through the northern half of the
county. Small hills bordering the Wabash River and other tributaries
provide some relief from the nearly level surface covering the remainder
of the county. The banks of the Wabash are the geographical West and East
boundaries of Lafayette and West Lafayette.
Lafayette prospered because of the development of the Wabash River,
Erie Canal, and the railroads. This prosperity fostered the construction
of significant commercial and public buildings which are largely intact
and architecturally cohesive. The craftsmanship of many of the buildings
is excellent.
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The 40-square blocks known as the downtown are an historic example of
urban development in the 19th century midwest region of the United States.
Since that time, the downtown has changed in many ways. Use of its land
and buildings is less intense; but it is still a place of diversity and
rich in human activity. Preservation of the past merges with the development for
the future. Historic Ninth Street Hill
is a walk through the past that meets the progress of today.
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There are less retail establishments downtown
than earlier in the century. Some chose to move their stores to the
outskirts of the city as malls and suburban areas were developed. But
professional and service businesses prospered, and today nearly 125 retail
and 225 service businesses can be found in the downtown area, as well as
many government offices and residences.
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Today, downtown Lafayette remains the central focus of our community --
the center of commerce, public service and community festivals. It
provides a unique atmosphere that is enjoyed by many. New development on
the West Lafayette side of the river in the Levee area promises new and
delightful experiences for the residents and visitors to the area.
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With the steady growth of the Lafayette area and
Purdue University, it is not
surprising that educational services, followed by manufacturing and
retail trades, are the leading employers. The university in West
Lafayette is the county's largest employer and an important factor in
local economic stability.
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Local industry is diversified, and in addition
to many small firms, includes such giants as the Aluminum Company of
America (ALCOA), Eli Lilly and Company,
Siemens PT&D,
A.E. Staley North & South Plants, Fairfield Manufacturing Company,
Wabash National Corp.,
Ross Gear Division, TRW,
Great Lakes Chemical,
Caterpillar Large Engine Division,
and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA).
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Transportation has always played an important role in the
area's prosperity. The railroad and more recently the interstate
highway have replaced the river and canal as arteries of commerce,
but Lafayette's geographic location and transportation connections ensure
its role as an important marketing and distribution center. The diversity
of the industrial economy keeps Lafayette's unemployment rate below the
state average even during recessionary times. New industry finds the
area attractive. Employment in the high-tech industry and services sector
gained in the late 1980s, offsetting losses in manufacturing and
construction employment.
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With the increase in new housing and new
companies moving into the area, there is a boom in the real estate and
new home construction market. All forces join to promote an economy that
is strong and flourishing.
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There is more than just economics in the Greater Lafayette area. It is
also home to over 100 arts organizations of all sorts - from well-known
groups like the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra
to lesser well known groups like the 42nd Royal Highlanders, a Scottish
bag pipe group. Whether it's visiting a museum, attending a performance,
or joining an arts organization, Lafayette provides many opportunities
to get involved with the arts. For information, please visit
the Tippecanoe Arts Federation website
for more wonderful activities.
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Riverfront Jazz & Blues Festival
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In addition, there are many opportunities to explore music and performing
arts in the community. Purdue University features many concerts, plays,
art galleries, cultural centers, activities, and the Elliot Hall of Music
often presents well know concerts and traveling troups. For more than 60
years, the Civic Theatre
has been part of Lafayette's social life. The Long Center for the
Performing Arts in Lafayette also hosts special events. You'll also find special
events at the Historic Reihle Plaza. One of the growing activities is the
Riverfront Jazz & Blues Festival.
Though area sponsors and volunteers, this festivial raises valuable money for the
organizations that benefit the community. For more information on the Lafayette music scene, check out
the Lafayette Citizens Band.
At various times of the year you'll find festivals and feasts.
Fort Ouiatenon, a park in West Lafayette, was the site of the first European
settlement in Indiana.
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The fort is the setting of Lafayette's yearly
Feast of the Hunter's Moon,
a recreation of an 18th Century French and
Indian encampment on the banks of the Wabash River. Two drum and fife
groups make annual appearances at the Feast, the Voyageur Ancient Fife
and Drum Corps and the Tippecanoe Ancient Fife and Drum Corps.
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Another special event is the Indiana Fiddlers Gathering held in July.
This regional festival at the Tippecanoe Battlefield attracts traditional,
folk, and country musicians from across the United States. For more information
on what's available in the Lafayette area, visit
the Greater Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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Visit Wolf Park
in Battle Ground, a unique wildlife park where wolf behavior is observed,
is also an area open to the public.
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Other animals can be seen at the
Columbian Park and Zoo.
This park is 63 acres of fun featuring zoo (with over 430 animals),
tennis and horseshoe courts, recreational stadium, shelter houses, many
picnic areas, and a newly constructed (1999)
multi-million dollar swimming complex and waterslide area -
Tropicanoe Cove.
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The Greater Lafayette Museum of Art
shows a permanent collection and also features major national traveling
exhibits in the East Gallery.
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Just a short drive away outside Battleground you'll find the Museums At Prophetstown.
Currently under development and planned to open in 2000, you'll be able to take a look
at Native American environmental and agricultural history, art and
traditions of the mid-Wabash River Valley region. For updates and information, check
out their website at Museums At Prophetstown.
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The Tippecanoe County Historical Association
operates the Tippecanoe County Historical Museum which displays artifacts
depicting the county's history from prehistoric times to the present,
including Indian, pioneer, Victorian and 20th Century exhibits.
You'll also find a wonderful county parks facility at the Tippecanoe
Outdoor Amphitheater. The facility seats 1,500 and offers varied summer
entertainment, including concerts, storytellers and theatre.
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Tippecanoe Outdoor Amphitheater
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The Tippecanoe Battlefield Historical Museum traces the cause and effects
of the Battle of Tippecanoe.
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Lafayette and the surrounding areas offer a wonderful selection of dining
and entertainment options. From formal to casual dining and from nearly
every culture, you'll find it somewhere in the area.
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Stop by the Visitor's
Bureau for a list of some of the area dining spots. Or stop by the
Visitor's Bureau for more
information about Lafayette and the surrounding areas.
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The list of wonderful places to visit and experience goes on and on with new
ones added regularly.
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If you've ever seen an advertisement for Indiana, you'll
know the popular slogan... "There's More Than Corn in Indiana".
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Lafayette is definitely a strong example of community, diversity and
opportunity. An All-American city and a great place to live, work, and
raise a family.
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