Granville, Indiana, Tippecanoe County, is a fascinating ghost town that once thrived in the heart of Indiana. Today, it stands as a monument to the ever-changing landscapes of communities, offering a glimpse into the past for those who dare to explore. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Tippecanoe County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 40.3978° N, 86.7769° W
Elevation: Approximately 656 feet (200 meters) above sea level
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (ET)
Established: 1834
Disestablished: Not officially disestablished, but declined considerably by the late 1800s
Comments: Granville was established in the early 19th century and flourished as a canal town, taking advantage of the Wabash and Erie Canal. The town thrived with the establishment of mills, stores, and other businesses.
However, the decline of the canal system and the advent of the railroad led to a decrease in economic activity and population.
Remains: Today, very little remains of Granville. Visitors can still find remnants of the old canal and a few foundations of the original structures. The Granville Cemetery still exists and bears witness to the town’s former residents.
Thomas W. Treckett and Thomas Concannon founded the town in 1834 on the south side of the Wabash and Erie Canal, just south of the Wabash River near the former site of the Native American settlement of Ouiatenon.
They platted the town to contain 153 lots, a public square, and several streets, including Lafayette, Cherry, Wabash, and Washington. This plat is still in effect, with the lots and streets visible in the county’s GIS.
Current Status: Granville is a ghost town with no active community or local government. The area is largely rural and used for agricultural purposes.
Remarks: Granville poignantly reminds us of the transient nature of settlements and the impact of technological and economic shifts on communities. It is a place of historical interest for those who cherish the stories of America’s past and the resilience of its people.
In 1850, the town’s name was changed to Weaton, after the local Wea Indians (some maps incorrectly labeled it as “Wheaton”). They had been mostly removed west of the Mississippi River by treaties with the United States government.
Later, the name was changed back to Granville. The town flourished as a shipping center on the canal until the mid-1850s, when railroad competition drew off much of the business. With the decline of canal traffic, the town’s economy also declined sharply.
By 1878, Granville had virtually ceased to exist.
