**History and Development:**
– Terre Haute’s name originates from the French phrase ‘terre haute,’ meaning highland.
– Fort Harrison was established in 1811 near present-day Terre Haute.
– The city became the county seat of Vigo County in 1818.
– Early Terre Haute was a hub for farming, milling, and pork processing.
– A significant tornado hit the city in 1913, causing extensive damage and casualties.
– Pre-1960s business growth was driven by transportation advancements.
– World War II led to economic growth due to the development of ordnance plants.
– Challenges in the late 20th century included outmigration and manufacturing closures.
**Economy and Industrial Development:**
– Terre Haute’s economy historically relied on iron and steel mills, hominy plants, and distilleries.
– Transportation enhancements like the streetcar system and electric trolleys boosted economic development.
– The city faced economic challenges in the late 20th century, including manufacturing closures and outmigration.
– Manufacturing remains a crucial part of the economy, with industries located in the Vigo County Industrial Park.
– Efforts by the Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation have contributed to economic stability.
**Education and Cultural Institutions:**
– Terre Haute hosts multiple higher education institutions like Indiana State University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
– The city’s arts and entertainment scene is enriched by grand opera houses and vaudeville circuits.
– Terre Haute’s educational hub status was established through the founding of various higher education institutions.
– The Swope Art Museum and Turman Art Gallery showcase American art by renowned artists.
– Performing arts offerings include the Community Theatre of Terre Haute and the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra.
**Infrastructure and Community Development:**
– Interstate 70 was constructed through Vigo County in the late 1960s.
– Downtown Terre Haute saw changes with the construction of Honey Creek Mall in 1968.
– Efforts like building railroad overpasses aimed to ease traffic congestion.
– The Fort Harrison Industrial Park was developed in the 1970s to enhance economic stability.
– Community life was improved through the establishment of new stores and factories.
**Geography, Demographics, and Community Features:**
– Terre Haute is situated along the Wabash River in western Indiana.
– The city covers 35.272 square miles, with 2.08% covered by water.
– Notable features include small bluffs marking the historic flood plain and its strategic location at the intersection of U.S. 40 and US 41.
– The city’s population in the 2020 census was 58,389, with a racial makeup predominantly white.
– Terre Haute experiences a humid continental climate with average annual precipitation of 40.84 inches.
Terre Haute (/ˈtɛrə ˈhoʊt/ TERR-ə HOHT) is a city in and the county seat of Vigo County, Indiana, United States, about 5 miles (8 km) east of the state's western border with Illinois. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 58,389 and its metropolitan area had a population of 168,716.
Terre Haute, Indiana | |
|---|---|
 Terre Haute City Hall in 2012 | |
 Seal | |
| Nickname(s): | |
| Motto: "A Level Above" | |
 Location of Terre Haute in Vigo County, Indiana. | |
  Terre Haute  Terre Haute | |
| Coordinates: 39°28′11″N 87°23′23″W / 39.46972°N 87.38972°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Vigo |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-council government |
| • Body | Terre Haute City Council |
| • Mayor | Brandon Sakbun (D) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 35.16 sq mi (91.07 km2) |
| • Land | 34.77 sq mi (90.06 km2) |
| • Water | 0.39 sq mi (1.01 km2) |
| Elevation | 499 ft (152 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 58,389 |
| • Density | 1,679.15/sq mi (648.33/km2) |
| Demonym(s) | Hautean /ˈhoʊʃɪn/ |
| Time zone | UTC−5 ([Eastern Time Zone]) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 47801-47805, 47807-47809 |
| Area code(s) | 812 & 930 |
| FIPS code | 18-75428 |
| GNIS feature ID | 444648 |
| Website | www.terrehaute.in.gov |
Located along the Wabash River, Terre Haute is one of the largest cities in the Wabash Valley and is known as the Queen City of the Wabash. The city is home to multiple higher-education institutions, including Indiana State University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana.