West Terre Haute, Indiana

Last updated

West Terre Haute, Indiana
Vigo County Indiana Incorporated and Unincorporated areas West Terre Haute Highlighted 1883384.svg
Location of West Terre Haute in Vigo County, Indiana.
Coordinates: 39°27′49″N87°26′56″W / 39.46361°N 87.44889°W / 39.46361; -87.44889
Country United States
State Indiana
County Vigo
Township Sugar Creek
Area
[1]
  Total0.75 sq mi (1.95 km2)
  Land0.75 sq mi (1.95 km2)
  Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
[2]
469 ft (143 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total2,157
  Density2,864.54/sq mi (1,106.35/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
  Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
47885
Area code 812
FIPS code 18-83384 [3]
GNIS feature ID 445815

West Terre Haute is a town in Sugar Creek Township, Vigo County, Indiana, on the western side of the Wabash River near Terre Haute. [4] The population was 2,236 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area. Bethany Congregational Church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Contents

History

Originally called McQuilkinsville, then simply Macksville or Maxville, West Terre Haute was laid out by Samuel McQuilkin on November 22, 1836. The first building had been put up in 1833, and in 1834 McQuilkin opened a general store on the National Road between present-day Third and Fourth Streets. The store proved useful to those working on the National Road and made McQuilkinsville an important town in the area. Because of the town's fertile soil, soon people started settling there as vegetable farmers. [5] John Griggs and his son Edward put up a flour mill in 1867, but the structure was burned in 1870. [6] The town expanded quickly, with Smith Hinch building a tavern on the National Road and Richard McIlroy building a brick general store and post office in 1872.

In 1894 citizens of the town voted to change its name to West Terre Haute.

The West Terre Haute post office has been in operation since 1899. [7]

Bethany Congregational Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. [8]

Growth of industry

By 1878, industries included a lumber mill, a cigar factory, and a shingle manufacturer, and the town had grown to a population of 250. [5]

With coal-bearing bluffs immediately to the town's north and west, coal mining became a major industry in the town. By 1906, West Terre Haute had eleven mines in operation, served by both railroads and wagon roads. These mines averaged a daily output of 2,000 tons. [5]

Clay deposits in the town led to the production of clay products including building brick, paving brick, sewer pipe and drain tile. Four separate companies in the area worked in this industry, including the Vigo Clay Company, the Miller Brick Company, Terre Haute Brick and Pipe Company (also known as the Vitrified Brick Company), and the National Drain Tile Company.

Just north of West Terre Haute was a large gravel pit a mile in length at its widest point. The gravel was mainly used in railroad grades.

Due to increased employment opportunities, the population of West Terre Haute increased from several hundred in the 1880s to approximately 3500 by the mid-1890s. To accommodate these new residents and commuters, in 1905 a new bridge was built to cross the Wabash River including tracks for the city's streetcar and interurban line. The Bank of West Terre Haute was established that same year.

Decline of commerce

Beginning in the early 1920s, the coal, clay and gravel industries slowly declined. West Terre Haute became a mainly residential community for factory workers and miners. After the Great Depression, the town's businesses included automobile repair shops and grocers. However, business faded when I-70 was constructed and circumvented the town. [5]

Geography

West Terre Haute is located at 39°27′49″N87°26′56″W / 39.46361°N 87.44889°W / 39.46361; -87.44889 (39.463636, -87.448963). [9] It is separated from Terre Haute by the Wabash River and a strip of low land (known alternately as Dresser or Taylorville) on the west side of the river.

According to the 2010 census, West Terre Haute has a total area of 0.75 square miles (1.94 km2), all land. [10]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1900 651
1910 3,083373.6%
1920 4,31039.8%
1930 3,588−16.8%
1940 3,7293.9%
1950 3,357−10.0%
1960 3,006−10.5%
1970 2,704−10.0%
1980 2,8063.8%
1990 2,495−11.1%
2000 2,330−6.6%
2010 2,236−4.0%
2020 2,157−3.5%
U.S. Decennial Census [11]

2010 census

As of the census [12] of 2010, there were 2,236 people, 839 households, and 588 families living in the town. The population density was 2,981.3 inhabitants per square mile (1,151.1/km2). There were 975 housing units at an average density of 1,300.0 per square mile (501.9/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.3% White, 0.5% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3% of the population.

There were 839 households, of which 38.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples living together, 20.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.9% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.09.

The median age in the town was 35.5 years. 26% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.6% were from 25 to 44; 23.9% were from 45 to 64; and 12.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

2000 census

As of the census [3] of 2000, there were 2,330 people, 895 households, and 620 families living in the town. The population density was 3,082.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,190.1/km2). There were 1,046 housing units at an average density of 1,383.8 per square mile (534.3/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.55% White, 0.04% African American, 0.52% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 0.04% from other races, and 1.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.56% of the population.

There were 895 households, out of which 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.1% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 19.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $25,954, and the median income for a family was $30,469. Males had a median income of $25,854 versus $19,618 for females. The per capita income for the town was $11,887. About 16.5% of families and 20.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.4% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

Government

They are separated by the Wabash River. Bridges connecting the two are located on US 40 and I-70. They are distinct political entities. West Terre Haute has its own town council, police department, street department, sewer department, and fire department, though the Vigo County Sheriff's Department has jurisdiction in both cities.

Education

West Terre Haute is in the Vigo County School Corporation.
The town has four schools:

West Terre Haute has a public library, a branch of the Vigo County Public Library. [13]

Transportation

West Terre Haute is the last community in Indiana encountered travelling westbound on US 40 before crossing into Illinois. Interstate 70 does not pass through West Terre Haute itself but skirts its southern edge. There are two exits on I-70 for West Terre Haute: Exit #1 (eastbound only) onto U.S. 40 and Exit #3 onto Darwin Road, though it is also marked for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, which is five miles (8 km) northwest of West Terre Haute.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vigo County, Indiana</span> County in Indiana, United States

Vigo County is a county on the western border of the U.S. state of Indiana. According to the 2020 United States Census, it had a population of 106,153. Its county seat is Terre Haute.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vermillion County, Indiana</span> County in Indiana, United States

Vermillion County lies in the western part of the U.S. state of Indiana between the Illinois border and the Wabash River. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,439. The county seat is Newport. It was officially established in 1824 and was the fiftieth Indiana county created. Vermillion County is included in the Terre Haute, Indiana, Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county contains seven incorporated towns with a total population of about 9,900. as well as several unincorporated communities; it is also divided into five townships which provide local services. An interstate highway, two U.S. routes, and five state roads cross the county, as does a major railroad line.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sullivan County, Indiana</span> County in Indiana, United States

Sullivan County is a county in the U.S. state of Indiana, and determined by the US Census Bureau to include the mean center of U.S. population in 1940. As of 2020, the population was 20,758. The county seat is Sullivan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parke County, Indiana</span> County in Indiana, United States

Parke County lies in the western part of the U.S. state of Indiana along the Wabash River. The county was formed in 1821 out of a portion of Vigo County. According to the 2020 census, the population was 16,156. The county seat is Rockville.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Terre Haute, Indiana</span> City in Indiana, United States

Terre Haute is a city in and the county seat of Vigo County, Indiana, United States, about 5 miles (8 km) east of the state's western border with Illinois. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 58,389 and its metropolitan area had a population of 168,716.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grayville, Illinois</span> City in Illinois, United States

Grayville is a city in Edwards and White counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 1,550, down from 1,666 at the 2010 census. Grayville is the birthplace of naval hero James Meredith Helm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Market, Indiana</span> Town in Indiana, United States

New Market is a town in Montgomery County, Indiana, in the United States. The population was 559 at the 2020 census, down from 636 in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waveland, Indiana</span> Town in Indiana, United States

Waveland is a town in Brown Township, Montgomery County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 427 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mecca, Indiana</span> Town in Indiana, United States

Mecca is a town in Wabash Township, Parke County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 335 at the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carlisle, Indiana</span> Town in Indiana, United States

Carlisle is a town in Haddon Township, Sullivan County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 692 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area. Carlisle is home to the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Merom, Indiana</span> Town in Indiana, United States

Merom is a town in Gill Township, Sullivan County, Indiana, United States. The population was 228 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area. Nearby is Hallador Energy's Merom Generating Station.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shelburn, Indiana</span> Town in Indiana, United States

Shelburn is a town in Curry Township, Sullivan County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 1,252 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sullivan, Indiana</span> City in Indiana, United States

Sullivan is a city in Hamilton Township, Sullivan County, Indiana, United States. The population was 4,249 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is the county seat of Sullivan County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cayuga, Indiana</span> Town in Indiana, United States

Cayuga is a town in Eugene Township, Vermillion County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 1,162 at the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Perrysville, Indiana</span> Town in Indiana, United States

Perrysville is a town in Highland Township, Vermillion County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 456 at the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Terre Haute, Indiana</span> Census-designated place in Indiana, United States

North Terre Haute is a census-designated place (CDP) in Otter Creek Township, Vigo County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 4,305 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riley, Indiana</span> Town in Indiana, United States

Riley, once known as Lockport, is a town in Riley Township, Vigo County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 221 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seelyville, Indiana</span> Town in Indiana, United States

Seelyville is a town in Lost Creek Township, Vigo County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 1,029 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harrison Township, Vigo County, Indiana</span> Township in Indiana, United States

Harrison Township is one of twelve townships in Vigo County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population was 51,272 and it contained 22,940 housing units. It is entirely contained in Terre Haute's city limits, thus explaining why it is both the most densely populated and the most populated overall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honey Creek Township, Vigo County, Indiana</span> Township in Indiana, United States

Honey Creek Township is one of twelve townships in Vigo County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population was 17,179 and it contained 6,509 housing units. It contains Terre Haute's main shopping district along U.S. Route 41 and is by far the most characteristically suburban of the twelve Vigo County townships. The population includes inmates from the Terre Haute Federal Penitentiary, located at its northwest corner.

References

  1. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  2. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  3. 1 2 "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. "West Terre Haute, Indiana". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior . Retrieved July 13, 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Vigo County, Indiana. (1984). Vigo County Interim Report. Indianapolis. pp. 15–16.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  6. Bradsby, H.C. (1891). History of Vigo County, Indiana, with Biographical Selections. Chicago: S. B. Nelson & Co. pp.  479.
  7. "Vigo County". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved July 13, 2016.
  8. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  9. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  10. "G001 - Geographic Identifiers - 2010 Census Summary File 1". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  11. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  12. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  13. "West Branch". Vigo County Public Library. Retrieved March 15, 2018.