From the days of French explorers and the establishment of Fort Harrison in 1811 to the rise of the "Pittsburgh of the West" and beyond, Terre Haute's history is a study in paradox. Home to prominent schools, railroads, and distilleries as well as social reformers, national figures, and corrupt politicians, the city that grew up along the Wabash suffered devastating setbacks but also soared to spectacular achievements.
Vigo County Historian Mike McCormick is the author of the Tribune-Star's weekly “Historical Perspective” and numerous other works. Terre Haute: Queen City of the Wabash is the first comprehensive history of his city in more than 80 years.