If you’ve visited Terre Haute, you may have heard of the city referred to as the Crossroads of America- but do you know how Terre Haute earned this famous nickname?
In 1926, the original National Highway System was implemented connecting states and improving transportation throughout the country. U.S. Highway 40 opened travel westward, and U.S. 41, a main north-south highway, are both major roads that cross through Terre Haute and provide a straightforward route for road trippers. The intersection at Seventh Street and Wabash Street in downtown Terre Haute, named the official “crossroads” in the city, gave Terre Haute its beloved nickname. Today, the intersection remains a central location in Terre Haute surrounded by many local shops, businesses and restaurants.
Terre Haute serves as a major hub for tourism, healthcare, education, eating, shopping and manufacturing. In addition to the Crossroads of America, Terre Haute is often called the Heart of the Midwest, as seven major cities in Indiana and surrounding states are only a road trip away.
This has been an exciting year so far in the Crossroads of America! The first half of 2023 saw the opening of many new businesses and restaurants in Terre Haute, including the grand opening of The Terminal Public House restaurant and a new indoor skateboard and scooter park.
Terre Haute was the host for many exciting sporting events in the spring and early summer. In May, the city welcomed athletes from the Missouri Valley Conference for the MVC Baseball Championships. The Middle School Track and Field State Championships were also hosted in Terre Haute earlier this summer. For the first time since 1986, the Indiana State Sycamores stepped up to the plate and became the NCAA Baseball Regional champions in June!
Terre Haute found a place in the spotlight when the city was featured on the cover of the 2023 Indiana Travel Guide. Produced by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, this publication provides information about events and travel resources around the state. Terre Haute’s own Griffin Bike Park is highlighted on the cover. We extend a special thanks to Visit Indiana for the feature!
The coming months bring even more to look forward to in the Wabash Valley.
Keep an eye out for a new cinema experience coming soon to Terre Haute. In February, the Indiana Theater, a local landmark donated to the Capital Improvement Board by a local businessman. As this project continues to take shape, we look forward to this exciting entertainment addition in our city.
The 130-year-old Hulman Building is also getting a facelift this year. The former home of Clabber Girl will now operate as a co-working and multi-use office space for business professionals. Named The Station, the Hulman building will serve as a hub in Terre Haute’s ever-evolving vibrant downtown.
Stay up to date with all the activity happening in Terre Haute by visiting See You In Terre Haute’s events page. There’s always so much to see and do here in the Crossroads of America, and the summertime is a perfect opportunity to get outside and explore this city we call home!
Source: Indiana Historical Bureau
