Terre Haute, Indiana

Terre Haute is a city in Vigo County, Indiana, United States, and it is the county seat. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 58,389, and its metropolitan area had a population of 168,716.

The city is located along the Wabash River about 5 miles east of the border with Illinois. Terre Haute is one of the largest cities in the Wabash Valley and is known as the Queen City of the Wabash.

Terre Haute is home to several schools and universities, including Indiana State University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana. The city also has a famous United States Penitentiary, which is an important part of the area.

History

Terre Haute’s name comes from a French phrase meaning “highland.” French explorers gave it this name because of its position above the Wabash River. In 1811, Fort Harrison was built, marking the start of a permanent settlement there.

Terre Haute grew quickly, becoming the county seat in 1818. It became known for farming, mills, and processing pork. Transportation helped the city grow, with rivers, roads, and canals linking it to the world. The city also became a center for education, arts, and entertainment, with grand theaters and a famous racetrack.

In 1913, a big tornado caused damage and loss of life in the city. Terre Haute saw changes through the years, including new factories and developments. Today, the downtown area continues to grow with new buildings, hotels, and events. In 2024, a new casino opened after voters approved it.

Geography

Terre Haute is located along the eastern side of the Wabash River in western Indiana, about 75 miles west of Indianapolis.

The city covers an area of 35.272 square miles, with a small part of that covered by water. The Wabash River forms the western edge of the city, and small bluffs mark the edge of the old flood plain on the east side. Two roads, U.S. 40 and US 41, cross through the city, known locally as 3rd Street and Wabash Avenue. The city is also close to big cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Louisville, and Cincinnati.

Climate

Terre Haute has warm summers, cool winters near freezing, and rain spread evenly through the year. This type of climate is called humid subtropical.

Demographics

2020 census

In the 2020 census, Terre Haute had 58,389 people living there. The city’s population density was 1,679 inhabitants per square mile. The median age was 34 years, with 19% of people younger than 18 and 15% aged 65 or older. There were 22,406 households, and 31% were married couples, while 35% had a female householder with no partner present. Most people lived in urban areas.

2010 census

The 2010 census recorded 60,785 people in Terre Haute. The racial makeup was 83% White, 11% African American, 1% Asian, and smaller percentages of other groups. About 29% of households had children under 18, and 35% were married couples. The median age was 33 years, and the city had slightly more males than females.

2000 census

In the year 2000, Terre Haute had 59,614 residents. The racial makeup was 86% White, 10% African American, and 1% Asian, among other groups. About 27% of households had children under 18, and 39% were married couples. The median income for a household was $28,018, and about 19% of the population lived below the poverty line.

Economy

Terre Haute has many important workplaces that help the community. Some of the biggest include Advics, Amcor, Casey's General Stores, the City of Terre Haute, First Financial Bank, GE Aviation, Indiana State University, Ivy Tech Community College, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Sony Digital Audio Disc Corporation, Taghleef Industries, Inc, Union Health, and Vigo County School Corporation.

The city is also home to the Terre Haute Federal Correctional Complex. This large facility includes different types of secure buildings for people who are serving long sentences.

Arts and culture

Terre Haute has worked hard to bring new life to its downtown area. With festivals, museums, restaurants, shops, and new hotels, the city has made its downtown a lively place to visit. In 2010, it was named Indiana's Community of the Year for these efforts.

The city has many places for art lovers. The Swope Art Museum offers free American art, including works by famous artists. The Turman Art Gallery at Indiana State University changes its displays often, showing art by students and teachers. The historic Indiana Theater, recently fixed up, now hosts concerts and movies.

Terre Haute also has many music events. The Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, started in 1926, gives concerts from September through April, including a special free show for school children. There are also many music groups and festivals, like the Blues at the Crossroads Festival.

The city has several interesting museums. The Vigo County Historical Society Museum has many old items and artifacts. The Children's Museum lets kids learn through hands-on activities. The Clabber Girl Museum shows the history of a famous baking brand. Other museums include one for antique cars and a museum about history and forgiveness created by a Holocaust survivor.

Sports

Terre Haute has an exciting baseball team called the Terre Haute Rex. They started playing in 2010 and are part of the Prospect League. Their home games are held at Bob Warn Field at ISU's Sycamore Stadium, and they play from late May until early August. The team's name comes from Rex Coffee, a special product that used to be made in downtown Terre Haute.

Terre Haute has a long history with baseball, going back to 1884. Many famous players, like Mordecai Brown and Max Carey, began their careers here. More recently, players such as Tommy John and Brian Dorsett also played for teams based in Terre Haute. The city’s teams have won seven league titles over the years, in 1901, 1922, 1924, 1932, 1950, 1952, and 1953.

Parks and recreation

Terre Haute has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Division of Forestry for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources since 1999. The city has also received the Growth Award for excellent care of its trees. Indiana State University is one of four special campuses in the state for tree care.

The Terre Haute Parks Department owns over 1,000 acres of land for parks, trails, and more. Some of the best parks include Deming Park, the largest park with playgrounds, a disc golf course, and sports areas. Dobbs Park has a nature center, a museum, and many walking trails. The National Road Heritage Trail is a long paved path great for walking, biking, and running.

The LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course is a special course built just for cross-country running. It is part of a large sports area and is used by Indiana State University’s running team. The course was built on land that used to be a coal mine and has paths of different lengths for runners.

Government

Brandon Sakbun started his first term as the mayor of Terre Haute in January 2024. He won the 2023 mayoral election against Duke Bennett, who was the mayor since 2008. Sakbun got 59% of the votes and became the youngest mayor in the city's history at just 27 years old.

The city council has nine members: six represent different districts, and three are elected by the whole city.

Education

Terre Haute has many schools to help children learn. The Vigo County School Corporation looks after 18 elementary schools, five middle schools, three high schools, and two alternative schools. About 14,642 students go to these schools from kindergarten to grade 12.

The city is also a good place for older students. Indiana State University is in downtown Terre Haute and has almost 8,000 students. It is known for being one of the best schools in the Midwest. Nearby, the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is a private school that focuses on engineering and is very well known in the United States. There is also a campus of Ivy Tech Community College, where people can continue their studies after high school.

Terre Haute has a public library called the Vigo County Public Library where people can borrow books and learn more.

Media

Terre Haute has been featured in movies and has several newspapers, magazines, television stations, and radio stations.

Movies

Two main characters in the 1951 movie The Prowler come from Terre Haute.

Newspaper

• Tribune Star

Magazines

• Terre Haute Living
• Wabash Valley Business Monthly

Television

• WTWO - NBC affiliate - Channel 2.1 (CW+ - 2.2; Laff - 2.3; Antenna TV - 2.4)
• WTHI - CBS affiliate - Channel 10.1 (Fox/MyNet - 10.2; MeTV - 10.3; Ion - 10.4; MeTV Toons - 10.5)
• WAWV - ABC affiliate - Channel 38.1 (Grit - 38.2; Bounce - 38.3; Rewind TV - 38.4)

Radio

• WISU - 89.7 FM - NPR (Rebroadcasts WFYI)
• WZIS - 90.7 FM - Variety
• WHOJ - 91.9 FM - Religious (Catholic)
• WFNF - 92.7 FM - Active Rock
• WEHP - 93.7 FM - Silent
• W236AE - 95.1 FM - Classical (Rebroadcasts 103.7 WFIU)
• WHLR - 95.9 FM - Classic Country
• WMKI-LP - 96.9 FM - Alternative/Indie
• WWVR - 98.5 FM - Classic Rock
• WTHI - 99.9 FM - Country
• WMGI - 100.7 FM - Top40/Pop
• WBOW - 102.7 FM - Classic Hits
• WVIG - 105.5 FM - Classic country
• WYLJ - 107.5 FM - Religious (3ABN Radio)
• WFNB - 1130 AM / 99.5 FM / 106.9 FM - Sports
• WIBQ - 1230 AM / 97.9 FM - News Talk
• WPFR - 1480 AM / 106.3 FM - Conservative Talk

Infrastructure

Transportation

Airports

Terre Haute has two airports. The Terre Haute Regional Airport is home to Hulman Field (HUF). It works with military units and has a flight academy. Sky King Airport is north of Terre Haute and is used mostly for training and fun flights.

Highways

Several major roads connect Terre Haute to other cities. Interstate 70 links to St. Louis to the west and Indianapolis to the east, with several exits for the city. US 40 goes west to Effingham and east to Indianapolis. US 41 is the main road on the west side, going north to Rockville and south to Evansville. US 150 enters from West Terre Haute, Indiana and follows US-41 south. Other state roads like SR 46, SR 63, SR 641, and SR 42 also serve the area.

Bus service

Buses in Terre Haute stop at the downtown Cherry Street Multi-Modal Transportation Facility. The Terre Haute Transit Utility offers free bus rides around the city. Greyhound Lines provides service to cities like St. Louis and Indianapolis. Miller Transportation Hoosier Ride offers daily trips to Indianapolis.

Railways

Terre Haute was once a major railroad hub. The last regular passenger train through the city stopped running in 1979.

Notable people

Terre Haute has been home to many interesting people. Some of them became famous in sports, like Mordecai Brown, a well-known baseball pitcher, and Clyde Lovellette, a celebrated basketball player. Others made their mark in music, writing, and public service. For example, Paul Dresser was a famous singer and songwriter, and Eugene V. Debs was a notable leader in the Socialist Party of America. The city has also seen artists, coaches, and leaders who have contributed in many ways to their communities and the world.

Legends

One famous story from Terre Haute is about a stone bulldog named Stiffy Green. People say this statue once watched over a mausoleum in Highland Lawn Cemetery, which belonged to a florist named John G. Heinl. John was the brother-in-law of Eugene V. Debs and the father of journalist Robert Debs Heinl. Today, the statue is kept in the Vigo County Historical Society Museum in Terre Haute.

In media

Comedian Steve Martin once called Terre Haute "Nowhere, U.S.A." in a 1978 interview with Playboy. He said this after a performance where he found it hard to locate any open restaurants downtown. Later, in December 1979, he was invited to tour the city. During that visit, he premiered his film The Jerk at a local theater. In his 1982 film Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, Martin made a joke saying that only Terre Haute was affected when the world was saved from a cheese bomb. He added, "Damn, and they were about to get a public library."

Sister cities

Terre Haute has two sister cities. These are cities in other countries that work together with Terre Haute. The sister cities are Tajimi and Gifu in Japan, and Tambov in Russia. These friendships began in the 1960s.