West Lafayette

West Lafayette
City of West Lafayette that is located in the state of Indiana was incorporated in 1888 and is named after a French General Lafayette, by whom American Army was aided during the American Revolutionary War.

The city of West Lafayette was formed as a result of the merger of Chauncey, Oakwood, and Kingston. It was back in 1820s when town of Lafayette was founded and was called Jack Town that was located at North Chauncey on a hill located above Wabash River.

However the first town of West Lafayette was founded in 1836, by August Wylie on the banks of Wabash River holding up to 140 building lots, but since the town was located just on the flood plain the town never succeeded. Later on 3 April, 1855 another town called Kingston was founded that consisted of 4 squares.

The town of Kingston included the land that was encompassed with in Northwestern Avenue, Salisbury Street, North Street and South Street. Later on 16 January, 1860, Town of Chauncey was also founded as the wealthy Chauncey family purchased the neighboring land of town of Kingston.

And four years later in 1864, the area grew up and consisted of five main roads and 24 houses. Later in January of 1866, meeting between the citizens of town of Kingston and town of Chauncey was held with the purpose of incorporating and naming the town.

The meeting was held in the school of Kingston and it was then decided to name the town to Chauncey to honor the Chauncey Family and a year later the town received its Charter. However, since there wasnt any postage system in the Town of Chauncey, 152 electors of the town signed the petition in order to rename the town to West Lafayette on 21 May, 1888, which became official on 28 May, 1888. Since then West Lafayette has its own government and school system.

West Lafayette is also home to its famous Purdue University that is comprised of six campuses with the Purdue University System. The history of the Purdue University originates from Abraham Lincolns decision to change Morrill Act into law on July 2, 1862. According to the law, the public land would be offered to all those states who intend to establish educational institutions.

This opportunity was rightfully availed by the Indiana General Assembly, hence with the major help of that times leading businessman John Purdue in form of $150,000, and from Tippecanoe Countys help of $50,000 the foundation of the University was laid.

And since John Purdue played a vital role in the establishment of the university, the university was named Purdue University. Stretching across the 150 acres of land Purdue University was established on 6 May, 1869.

As of the 2000s census readings, the total population of West Lafayette comprises of 28,778 permanent residents, which is further divided into 3,588 families and 10,462 households.

Since West Lafayette is home to people of more than 54 nationalities; hence as of racial division the population of West Lafayette consists of 83.34% White, 11.34% Asian, 2.38% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.20% Latinos and 1.17% of the population was from other races, while 1.58% of the total population was from two or more than two races.

The Median Family income in the city West Lafayette was $71,510 as of 2000s census, while Median Household income was $24,869. Apart from that, per capita income of the city was $18,337, while 38.3% of the total population was living below the poverty line.

West Lafayette is comprised of hundreds of acres of Park land thanks to its great municipal Park System. West Lafayette offers natural recreational and leisure activities to its visitors in form of river front ice and inline skating center, nature center, swimming pools and a huge trail network that takes the rider to a ride from one end of the city to the other.

Apart from that, city of West Lafayette has a lot to offer to sporting enthusiasts in shape of number of basket ball and soft ball courts along with a boat ramp, volley ball and soccer fields. Other than these places, places that attract a large number of visitors include Northwest Greenway, Cattail and Wabash Heritage Trails, Civic Theatre, Bach Chorale, and citys historic museums.

Offering a wide range of plants, Purdue Universitys Horticulture Gardens attract a lot of visitors throughout the year. More than 200 species of different plants are exhibited at the Gardens including plants like peonies, daylilies, hosta, spring-flowering bulbs, and ornamental grasses.

The Garden was demolished due to construction and utility problems, however back in 2006 the students of agriculture was assigned to re-cultivate the garden and bring it back to its former condition.