The Greater Lafayette Area
History and Geography
Lafayette (p. 44,622) is the seat of Tippecanoe County (p. 130,598; 502 sq. m.). Famous as the site of the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, the county was created in 1826, after the first whites settled in the area.
The county was named for the Tippecanoe River, which ends its 166-mile journey when it joins the Wabash River above Lafayette. For a wonderful and detailed account of the area's history, visit the Tippecanoe County Historical Association's website.
The Wabash River, which drains all the county's streams, enters the northeast corner and flows southwest through the northern half of the county. Small hills bordering the Wabash River and other tributaries provide some relief from the nearly level surface covering the remainder of the county. The banks of the Wabash are the geographical West and East boundaries of Lafayette and West Lafayette.
Lafayette prospered because of the development of the Wabash River, Erie Canal, and the railroads. This prosperity fostered the construction of significant commercial and public buildings which are largely intact and architecturally cohesive. The craftsmanship of many of the buildings is excellent.
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