The early west-central Indiana town of Crawfordsville saw the passage of several Native American tribes, as well as French traders and missionaries, traveling along Sugar Creek. Flourishing as the county seat, the city was buoyed by the railroad, horses, and higher education, and is most well known for Wabash College, outstanding American authors such as Lew Wallace (Ben Hur), and the Federal Land Office. Overcoming hardships along the way, the residents' fortitude and commitment to the city's growth enabled them to persevere and establish this lucrative and charming community.