Why Here?

As a student attending Indiana State University, I take for granted that it has always been here. Although it is common knowledge that Indiana State was established in 1865, I have never stopped to consider why Terre Haute was chosen as its location.
On December 20, 1865, the General Assembly of the State of Indiana passed a House Bill to establish a State Normal School. The purpose of this new school would be to educate and train teachers. The Board of Directors searched for a place to establish the school throughout the state. Funding for the project was low, so potential cities were asked to donate anything they could spare. Terre Haute was the only community in the state to offer a combined donation of land, money, and buildings for the new school. Thrilled by such extensive funding, the Board quickly named Terre Haute as the Normal School’s official location. Construction of The Normal School began in 1867, but was destroyed by fire twenty years later. The City of Terre Haute rallied to support the school, raising money for its immediate reconstruction. It was rebuilt in less than one year, and “Old Main” remained a structural symbol for Indiana State University until it was torn down in 1950.
From the ashes of tragedy, Terre Haute’s ancestors rallied and saved Indiana State. Without the initiative and care given by this town, taking the university for granted might never have been an option.