Inhabitants of Terre Haute City are not only influenced by the number of schools they attend, but by their livability as well. To help residents make an informed decision about whether Terre Haute is the right place for them, AreaVibes has compiled a list of key metrics that determine a community's livability. Here's a look at what makes Terre Haute stand out from other cities in Indiana.
The early history of Terre Haute city was characterized by agriculture, milling, and pork processing. In the mid-19th century, the city grew rapidly due to railroads and the Wabash and Erie Canal, as well as the development of coal, which resulted in a coal mining boom, culture, and strong union activity. While this growth brought many industries to the city, agriculture remained the predominant industry, with corn used for food and alcoholic beverages.
In the late 1800s, Terre Haute had a thriving labor market, and its population increased from 4,051 to 36,673 by 1900. At the time, the town had about three hundred and sixty percent foreign-born residents, and it had the highest percentage of immigrants of any city in west-central Indiana. It was home to the largest concentration of Germans and Irish in Indiana. Historically, Irish immigrants were also important in the city's history, working on the railroads and canal.
As the 20th century approached, Terre Haute had many challenges to face, including the loss of long-time manufacturing operations. In addition to the loss of manufacturing jobs, the city's population grew, and with it its economy. In the years that followed, Terre Haute experienced population loss and the closing of many manufacturing operations. However, with these changes, the city was able to rebound and attract a new generation of residents.