Professor Dan Clark, an Associate Professor of History at Indiana State University, described Indiana State's connection to the Wabash River. Upon his research for his new book that is set to be released in the spring of 2022, Clark discovered the extent of the connection, igniting a professional interest in the Wabash River and its history.
Indiana State University
Clark’s first professional notice of the Wabash River came through his work on the history of Indiana State University. The first connection Clark made was between the college, Terre Haute, and the Wabash River. Indiana State’s history intersects with the city of Terre Haute, primarily dealing with Terre Haute’s history, which owes its existence to the river. Indiana State’s earliest linkages to the river as a college, other than its apparent resources, include an abundance of activities for the student life. Fraternity or Sorority excursions on the river regularly took place in the early 1900s. These party excursions would happen multiple times over the summer and always included dancing and the trending flappers at that time. After explaining this example, Clark specified that we do not always realize our interactions with the river and that these interactions go back centuries, even before Terre Haute was formed.
Terre Haute
As a city, Terre Haute owes nearly all of its expansion and growth to the Wabash River. During the United States’ expansion in the 1800s, the Wabash River was a conduit of transport and commerce. This is easily explained through Terre Haute’s name. Meaning “high ground” in French indicates the high levels of French trade and traffic that dominated the region. The river paired with the National Road that came through Terre Haute, allowing the city to flourish industrially. One of the many businesses that took advantage of these transportation systems and the river itself were distilleries. At one point in time, Terre Haute was home to the largest distillery in the United States. Distilleries not only used the river for its transportation but also as a water source. The Wabash River served as a resource that allowed Terre Haute to grow and flourish.
The Wabash River Today
With the river playing a minor role for commercial purposes within the last couple of generations, its untapped resources have become ever-present. Clark pointed out that the most significant component is its recreational potential. Recreation plays a large, often unseen, role in commerce. As companies have begun emphasizing the standard of living and quality of life, the wetlands and rivers have a substantial commercial value. The preservation and cultivation of the wetlands and river offer ample boating, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. The addition of the Wabashiki Trail and Pedestrian Connector adds a pleasurable space to walk. Clark explained how the river and its tributaries have been under our noses for years. With great effort being made within the past few decades by citizens, politicians, and groups such as RiverSCAPE, its potential is finally beginning to be realized.