Understand
Terre Haute's history reaches back to the early 1800s with the construction of Fort Harrison as a permanent settlement within Indian Territory. The city grew up primarily around industry and river traffic on the Wabash River. The growth of the railroads and a short-lived oil boom contributed to the city's prosperity, but the decline of both, along with the Depression, resulted in the city becoming a model of Midwestern urban decay up through the 1980's. Recent mayors have worked hard to reverse this image, and have begun making gains in turning the city back around.
Tourist information
Terre Haute Convention & Visitors Bureau.
643 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute. 812 234-5555 or 800 366-3043. 24-hour information line: 812 238-TALK.