John Purdue Block

Historical marker location:

14 North 2nd Street, Lafayette, Indiana

( Marker is on North 2nd Street south of Columbia Street, on the right when traveling south.)

The Wabash River, which flows through western Indiana, was the inspiration for the state song, "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away," written by Paul Dresser in 1897. It became one of the most popular songs of its time and has since become a symbol of the state's heritage.