Prairie Township, Tipton County, Indiana

Prairie Township is one of six townships in Tipton County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population was 1,140 and it contained 482 housing units.[2]

Prairie Township
Township
Location in Tipton County
Coordinates: 40°21′11″N 86°11′36″W
Country United States
State Indiana
CountyTipton
Government
 • TypeIndiana township
Area
 • Total39.69 sq mi (102.8 km2)
 • Land39.69 sq mi (102.8 km2)
 • Water0 sq mi (0 km2)  0%
Elevation896 ft (273 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total1,140
 • Density28.7/sq mi (11.1/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
46049, 46068, 46072, 46979
Area code(s)765
GNIS feature ID453771

History

Prior to becoming a township, a portion of the land was Miami Indian reservation land. White squatters did settle illegally in the area. The first known named white settler in the area was Alexander Suite. He came to Indiana in 1842 originally Tennessee. Suite built the first log cabin in the township. He eventually relocated to Russiaville, Indiana, eventually. Upon forced relocation of the Miami Indians, the land became available for purchase in 1847.[3]

The Prairieville Cemetery, the first in the township, was founded in 1844. The first frame house was built in 1850.[4]

Geography

Prior to 1849, Prairie Township was larger than it is today. The western half of Liberty Township was located in Prairie Township.[5][6] According to the 2010 census, the township has a total area of 39.69 square miles (102.8 km2), all land.[2]

Natural environment

Historically, Prairie Township was very flat. The soil is thick and conducive to being agriculturally beneficial. The western side of the township was slough or prairie. An extensive drainage system was installed throughout the township which led to the draining of the slough areas, allowing for more farming. White settlers cleared out a large portion of the trees for lumber. Prior to this, the township was plentiful with walnut, beech, maple, elm, ash, willow and spicebush.[6]

Unincorporated towns

Adjacent townships

Government

Political districts

Education

The first school in the township was built in 1845. Oren Williams was the first teacher. He was paid using a subscription model. Terms were three months long and he was paid $1.25 per term per student. Public schools became part of the community in 1852.[7]

Today

Students in Prairie Township attend Tri-Central Community Schools.

Infrastructure

Major highways

Cemeteries

The Prairieville Cemetery was founded in 1844, it was the first in the township. The Normanda Cemetery was founded after the Prairieville Cemetery, followed by the founding of the Liberty Cemetery.[4]

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References
  1. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved 2017-05-09.
  2. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County -- County Subdivision and Place -- 2010 Census Summary File 1". United States Census. Archived from the original on 2020-02-10. Retrieved 2013-05-10.
  3. Pershing, p. 118
  4. Pershing, p. 121
  5. Pershing, p. 116
  6. Pershing, p. 117
  7. Pershing, p. 192-193

Sources
  • Pershing, Marvin W. "History of Tipton County, Indiana: Her People, Industries and Institutions". Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen (1914).
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