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Little Syria on the Wabash Historical Marker

Discover the story of Syrian immigrants who built a thriving community in Terre Haute, leaving a lasting legacy of hard work and cultural enrichment.

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This historical marker in Terre Haute commemorates the early 20th-century Syrian immigrants who established a vibrant community known as "Little Syria on the Wabash". It highlights their journey from humble beginnings as pack peddlers to becoming successful grocers and contributors to the city's cultural life.

A brief summary to “Little Syria on the Wabash” marker

Local tips

  • Visit St. George Orthodox Church to learn more about the Syrian community's history and traditions.
  • Explore the area around 5th and Cherry Streets to imagine what "Little Syria" was like in the early 20th century.
  • Check out local historical resources, such as the Vigo County Historical Society, for more information on immigrant communities in Terre Haute.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The "Little Syria on the Wabash" marker is located at the corner of 5th and Cherry Streets in downtown Terre Haute. From the Terre Haute Convention Center, walk two blocks north on 7th Street, then turn left onto Cherry Street. The marker will be on your right at the corner of 5th and Cherry.

  • Public Transport

    Terre Haute Transit provides bus service throughout the city. Check the Terre Haute Transit website for the most up-to-date route information to reach the intersection of 5th and Cherry Streets. As of January 2025, all rides on Terre Haute Transit are fare-free.

  • Parking

    Street parking is available near the marker. Additionally, the Indiana State University Parking Garage is located nearby at 701 Cherry St. The Terre Haute Convention Center Parking Garage at 811 Cherry St is also an option. Parking fees vary. Limited free parking may be found a block or two away from the main downtown area.

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Discover more about “Little Syria on the Wabash” marker

The "Little Syria on the Wabash" historical marker stands as a testament to the Arabic-speaking Christian Syrians who immigrated to Terre Haute in the early 1900s. This community was part of a broader movement of Middle Easterners who contributed to the growth of cities across Indiana and the United States. Arriving in Terre Haute, many Syrians began as poor pack peddlers, traversing the region to sell goods. Through hard work and frugality, they saved enough to buy houses and establish grocery stores, overcoming prejudice and hardship along the way. The proximity of the Wabash River may have facilitated their peddling of wares into Illinois and Kentucky. In 1927, the community founded St. George Orthodox Church, which became the heart of their cultural and religious life, preserving their identity and traditions. The children and grandchildren of these immigrants went on to become professionals, civic employees, and business owners, further enriching Terre Haute's cultural vitality through ethnic festivals and cafes. Even today, many descendants of the original families remain in the city, a lasting legacy of a vibrant immigrant community. The marker is located at the northwest corner of Cherry Street and 5th Street. It serves as a reminder of the diverse groups that have shaped the city's history and the enduring contributions of Syrian Americans to Terre Haute.

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