Cemeteries in Terre Haute (City)

Terre Haute, the county seat of Vigo County, Indiana, was founded in the early 19th century along the Wabash River.

Its name, meaning “high land” in French, reflects the elevated terrain overlooking the riverbank. Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples including the Wea and Kickapoo, the area became a vital frontier post and trading center after European-American settlement. With its location on the National Road and later key rail lines, Terre Haute grew rapidly during the 19th century as a hub for coal mining, manufacturing, and milling. It also became a center for higher education with the founding of institutions such as Indiana State University. The city played a role in labor movements and industrial development throughout the 20th century. Early settlers were primarily of English, German, and Irish descent, and religious life included Protestant and Catholic congregations.

Cemeteries such as Highland Lawn preserve the city’s political, industrial, and educational heritage.