Lafayette was a shipping center on the Wabash River. The Wabash and Erie Canal in the 1840’s stimulated trade and affirmed Lafayette’s regional prominence. Railroads arrived in the town in the 1850s, connecting it with other major markets. The Monon Railroad connected Lafayette with different sections of Indiana.
Lafayette continued to grow, and in 1869, Purdue University was founded. The school has played an essential part in the development of the Lafayette-West Lafayette area. Today, Lafayette has developed as a diversified community with manufacturing, merchandising, education, and transportation contributing their share.
The community has honored and preserved the many historic districts leading to Lafayette’s national award recognition as an “All American Main Street” city.