Lafayette is located in Tippecanoe County. Purdue University, located in nearby West Lafayette is a primary factor in the economy for the region due to its academic as well as industrial activities. Alcoa, the Caterpillar Large Engine Division, Wabash National, Eli Lilly and Company (Tippecanoe Laboratories) are some of the major corporations located in Lafayette. The original inhabitants were Quiatenon Indians. In 1717 the French constructed Fort Quiatenon. The fort was utilized for trading by fur trappers, merchants as well as Indians. The city was platted by William Digby in 1825. The town was named in tribute to General Lafayette who fought for the American Army during the American Revolutionary War. The shipping center along the Wabash River was thriving during this era and the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal during the 1840’s added to the city’s importance. The railroads reaching Lafayette during the 1850’s which also added to its prominence. Nancy Kerlin Barnett was buried on a small hill near the village of Amity overlooking Sugar Creek in 1831 and, later, a cemetery was formed. When Camp Atterbury was being formed, many cemeteries were being uprooted and moved to different locations, including the one Nancy was in, but Nancy’s son objected. Not too much later, the town wanted to build a bridge where she was buried, and this time, a grandson protected the burial site. The county had to build a road around it, and it was named a historical marker in 1912.

Founded in 1869, Purdue is Indianas land-grant university. It is one of the nations premier institutions with more than 200 areas of undergraduate study and renowned research initiatives. Purdues programs in a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate disciplines consistently rank among the best in the country. Twenty-two of Americas astronauts hold Purdue degrees. Students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries, bring rich diversity to the main campus in West Lafayette. Although a large university, Purdue maintains an intimate atmosphere that highly values individual needs and achievements. Purdue is made up of 13 schools and colleges, many of which serve both undergraduate and graduate students. Professional and graduate programs include the well-ranked College of Engineering, Krannert School of Management, College of Education and College of Pharmacy. Purdue’s esteemed School of Aeronautics and Astronautics within the College of Engineering has acquired the nickname “Cradle of Astronauts.” One popular university tradition: many students mark the beginning and end of their time at Purdue by running through any of the five campus fountains. Notable alumni include legendary college basketball coach and player John Wooden, popcorn entrepreneur Orville Redenbacher and the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong.

There are nine neighborhoods in the combined area of Lafayette and nearby West Lafayette that are included in the National Register of Historic Places. The Ninth Street Historic District and downtown Lafayette are major locations for enjoying historic architecture. The Tippecanoe County Courthouse situated downtown is an architectural gem. The Historic Five Points Fire Station has been restored and serves as a museum. Prophetstown is a large acreage which is devoted to the preservation of Native American Heritage, agriculture and the environment. It features an old farmstead, a prairie and an Indian Village. Visitors can take a horse-drawn ride in the prairie. The attractive Moses Fowler House features English Gothic architecture. The Tippecanoe Battlefield is nearby. In addition, the shore of Lake Michigan in Indiana is home to the Indiana Dunes, a place that habitats “many unusual plants, including prickly pear cactus, lichen mosses, bearberry and more than 20 varieties of orchids.” The largest living sand dune, Mount Baldy, “moves away from the shore a few feet each year.”

As of the census of 2000, there were 56,397 people, 24,060 households, and 13,666 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,806.5 people per square mile (1,083.9/km2). There were 25,602 housing units at an average density of 1,274.1 per square mile (492.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 88.91% White; 3.22% African American; 0.37% Native American; 1.22% Asian; 0.04% Pacific Islander; 4.61% from other races, and 1.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.11% of the population.There were 24,060 households out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them; 42.5% were married couples living together; 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present; and 43.2% were non-families. 33.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 individuals and the average family size was 2.98. In the city, the population was spread out with 23.2% under the age of 18; 14.2% from 18 to 24; 31.3% from 25 to 44; 19.3% from 45 to 64; and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.The median income for a household in the city was $35,859, and the median income for a family was $45,480. Males had a median income of $32,892 versus $23,049 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,217. About 8.0% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.8% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.