National Register Listing

Peru High School Historic District

a.k.a. Miami Nation of Indians of the State of Indiana Headquarters

80 W. 6th St., Peru, IN
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Education; Entertainment/recreation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture education entertainment recreation
Audiobooks about the history of Indiana.
Indiana was the 19th state to be admitted to the Union, on December 11, 1816.
Indiana random facts
Miami County, Indiana, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami and Shawnee tribes, who lived off the land and established trading routes. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive, attracted by the fertile soil and the promise of new opportunities in a developing nation.

In 1844, Miami County was officially established, named after the Miami tribe who had been relocated to the area. The county quickly grew and became a center for agriculture, particularly corn and soybean production. It also thrived due to its location along the Wabash and Erie Canal, which facilitated transportation and trade.

During the Civil War, Miami County played its part in the Union effort. Many men from the county joined the Union Army, and the local economy was impacted by war-related industries such as the production of uniforms and supplies. The war left a lasting mark on the county and its residents.

As the years went by, Miami County continued to evolve. Industrialization brought new opportunities, and manufacturing became an important sector in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With the advent of the automobile, new roads were built, connecting Miami County to the rest of Indiana and beyond.

Today, Miami County remains a vibrant community, blending its agricultural heritage with modern industries and a dedication to preserving its history. The county boasts a variety of historical and cultural sites, including the Grissom Air Museum, which showcases the region's military history, and the adjacent Grissom Air Reserve Base. With its strong sense of community and commitment to progress, Miami County continues to write its own unique chapter in Indiana's history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Miami County, Indiana.

  • 1827 - Miami County is established on April 1, 1827, as one of the first counties in Indiana.
  • 1846 - Miami County's first courthouse is built in Peru, the county seat.
  • 1856 - The town of Bunker Hill is founded.
  • 1865 - The Peru and Indianapolis Railroad is completed, significantly improving transportation in the county.
  • 1872 - Grissom Air Reserve Base (formerly known as Bunker Hill Air Force Base) is established near Peru.
  • 1894 - Grissom's School of Aviation Medicine is established at Chippewa.
  • 1917 - The United States enters World War I, and many residents of Miami County serve in the armed forces.
  • 1953 - The first Mississinewa 1812 reenactment takes place, becoming an annual event attracting thousands of visitors.
  • 1965 - The Grissom Aeroplex is established on the former site of Bunker Hill Air Force Base.
  • 1974 - The Miami County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 1992 - The Grissom Air Museum is opened to the public at the Grissom Aeroplex.