Lafayette was founded by William Digby and laid out on May 25, 1825. The location was selected because it was the northern most reach by steamboat on the Wabash River. Therefore, the city began as a riverfront town and was established as the county seat for Tippecanoe County in 1826. Lafayette has played a key role in shaping the northwest region of Indiana ever since.

The routes and movements of people and goods over the years have profoundly shaped the city physically and economically into the Lafayette seen today. Steamboats traveled up to Lafayette on the Wabash River by 1832, helping establish the city as a transportation center and putting the city in contact with other markets across the country. Perhaps steamboats could be implemented in the future as an entertainment or tourist element. The construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal during the 1840’s established Lafayette as a northeastern transportation route and enabled the city to become a real transportation hub. Unfortunately, it was rather unreliable because of constant repairs and flooding. By the 1870’s, the canal became known more as a health hazard than for the benefits it provided. The route of the canal is present-day Canal Street, which cuts through the North 9th Street Corridor Project's site. Railroads were preferred since the early 1830’s by many citizens because they could provide year-round service. Between 1852 and 1864, five rail lines began in Lafayette. The Chicago Indianapolis Louisville Line, currently known as CSX Railroad, forms the eastern border of the North 9th Street Corridor Project's site. Therefore, industries and businesses that locate within the site would have easy access to the transportation of their goods. After the Lafayette Street Railway was electrified in 1888, neighborhoods and development began to line its main routes. This system had a profound effect on the physical shaping of growth. Lafayette began to experience congestion problems about this time, from the mix of interurbans, steam railroads, and streetcars, while the industries of the area were cramped near the river. The result was for the city to spread north into the farmlands, which helped the city to continue to grow. This congestion coupled with the fact that automobile ownership really began to increase after World War II, made it possible for development to spread anywhere. U.S. Highway 52 is evidence of this growth, with many industries along the corridor. As the northern boundary for the North 9th Street Corridor Project, U.S. 52 provides good accessibility for people and goods. (return to top)

1841 map of Lafayette, showing the location of the former Wabash and Erie Canal (click image for a closer look) c. 1870 a line boat stopped on the Wabash and Erie Canal before the Lafayette Street Railway was electrified in 1888, mule cars were used a railway car crosses the old Main Street Bridge c. 1930 a steamboat arrives at the Wabash Railway Station

Upon Lafayette’s establishment, many riverfront industries helped to employ permanent citizens. Key industries have included National Homes, ALCOA, Anheuser-Busch, Rostone Corporation, and many Sagamore Parkway industries. National Homes, established in 1940, was a major component to the strong economic base of Lafayette and set a trend of post World War II construction of prefabricated housing that took root in the city and country. ALCOA is the world’s leading producer of aluminum. The corporation sets world standards in quality and safety, as well as in innovative technology and operating expertise. Because of these high standards for employees and customers, other Lafayette businesses and industries must learn to follow suit, even within the North 9th Street Corridor. Due to the broad and diverse industrial base present in Lafayette, the city’s unemployment rate has remained below the Indiana state average, throughout times of booms and recessions. New industries are continually attracted to developing within the city. (return to top)

Main Street 1905 6th and Main Street 1937 Main Street 1976

Lafayette became increasingly complex between 1950 and 1970, as the result of the construction of many shopping centers, for it extended neighborhoods and congestion further into the county. The downtown really began to suffer in the 1960’s, stemming from narrow streets, bad traffic patterns, congestion, slums, and blight. Population growth began to slow and even decline by the 1970’s. However, just across the river, West Lafayette’s population steadily grew, as Purdue continued to expand and provide employment opportunities for both Lafayette and West Lafayette residents. This has also created a need for increased housing within the city. (return to top)

c. 1960 aerial of Lafayette 1997 aerial of Lafayette

Early planning efforts began as the result of the 1913 flood, with the need to prevent similar destruction in the future. In 1925, the profits from a four day Centennial celebration, rather than being put toward a coliseum, were given to

a view of the 1913 flood from West Lafayette

a planning commission, "which would map the future growth and development of the city and county." Consultant Lawrence Sheridan was hired and he constructed a city plan, which included suggestions such as the relocation of the railroad in order to reduce congestion, construction of a riverfront civic center, concepts for uniform zoning, and thoroughfare improvements. In 1966, the Redevelopment Commission formed to find solutions for some of Lafayette’s needs, by dealing with issues that are the result of conflicts between man and nature, and that of public and private needs concerning distribution of resources. Most recently, the Lafayette Urban Enterprise Association (LUEA) is currently developing plans to include the North 9th St. Corridor into an enterprise zone for development. Within the site, efforts would focus on spurring capital investments, new businesses, and, therefore, new jobs. (return to top)

The information and images for this page were gathered from the following sources: The Heritage 75-76 Commemorative Book of Tippecanoe County 1826-1976 http://www.city.lafayette.in.us/features/hist_frames.htm