Peru

It can be difficult to determine when the history of a community begins. Founding dates are helpful, but there are fascinating stories and important events that occur before an official founding. This is certainly true for Peru, Indiana.

On October 23, 1826, the Treaty of Mississinewa was signed at the mouth of the Mississinewa River. In the treaty the Miami people ceded their land in Indiana to the United States government. As part of the agreement, large estates were reserved for influential chiefs. Principal Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville owned the tract of land where Peru would later be platted.

Richardville transferred 640 acres of his estate to Joseph Holman for $500 in August 1827. President John Quincy Adams approved this transfer in March 1828. Holman sold 210 acres of the 640 acres to William N. Hood for $500. 

Holman and Hood were both influential men in the state. Holman served as a delegate to the 1816 Indiana Constitutional Convention, was elected to the state legislature in several stints representing various parts of the state, and was appointed “Receiver of Moneys” at the land office in Fort Wayne under Presidents James Monroe and John Quincy Adams. Hood was elected to the state legislature in 1836 and 1838.

A rivalry developed between the two men. Both worked to establish the county seat for the soon-to-be-formed Miami County. Holman founded Miamisport, and Hood founded Peru. The History of Miami County describes the tense times: “Prior to that time the two men had been good friends. Now they became bitter enemies. Violent words were passed between them on several occasions and the quarrel became a matter of comment for the entire population.”

On his land, Holman laid out Miamisport in March 1829. The little village prospered and looked to become the county seat. In early 1834, Hood had a town surveyed just east of Miamisport. An account of the survey states, “When Peru was laid out the site was entirely covered with heavy timber and a thick, impenetrable growth of underbrush.” This did not deter Hood. When the county commissioners met in June 1834, Hood promised to donate the public square, erect a brick courthouse and log jail, and give tracts to church congregations at no cost. Also, he promised merchants in Miamisport free or discounted lots in Peru. With these promises, Hood and Peru won the county seat. Peru soon grew out of its original plat and absorbed Miamisport.

Much more of Peru’s history can be learned at the Miami County Museum! The museum is home to 150,000 objects and archival material. Some objects are a bit peculiar, including the overall bids of the world’s tallest man.

The museum also has Cole Porter’s 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood. The famous composer-songwriter was born and grew up in Peru. His birthplace is now the Cole Porter Inn.

Located south of Peru is the Grissom Air Reserve Base. Exhibits and historic aircraft can be seen at the Grissom Air Museum.

Peru is most famous for the being the “Circus Capital of the World.” Two museums tell the story of the circus in Peru. The International Circus Hall of Fame is located on the old circus winter quarters. The Circus City Museum is located in the City Circus Center. The Circus City Festival takes place over the course of nine days each July. During the festival, there is a youth circus featuring 200 local amateur performers.

Looking for something more reserved than a circus? Visit the Seven Pillars! The Seven Pillars are located southeast of Peru along the Mississinewa River. The pillars and alcoves were formed as wind and water eroded the limestone over many centuries. Some call the scenic location one of Indiana's best-kept secrets.

Driving between the Seven Pillars and the city, you pass one of the houses built for Chief Richardville. It is a reminder of the events that impacted the founding of Peru.

One question still remains: Why the name Peru? One historical account states, “Someone of the surveying party asked Hood what he was going to call his town, and he replied that he didn’t care, so it was a short name. A number of names were suggested and they finally agreed to call the new town Peru.” Robert L. Baker in Needmore to Prosperity offers two explanations: “The name probably is for the country in South America, via Peru, New York, home of early settlers. Though it also said to be a Miami word meaning ‘a straight place in the river.’” 

Two other communities in Miami County share their names with foreign countries. Read more about Chili and Mexico!

Sources:

• Baker, R. L. (1995). From Needmore to Prosperity: Hoosier place names in folklore and history. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
• Bodurtha, A. L, &; Lilly, J. Kirby. (1914). History of Miami County, Indiana: a narrative account of its historical progress, its people and its principal interests. Chicago: Lewis Pub.
• (1887). History of Miami County, Indiana: from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc.: together with an extended history of the Northwest, the Indiana territory, and the state of Indiana. Chicago: Brant &; Fuller.
• Seven Pillars. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2015, from http://www.miamicountyin.gov/sevenpillars.htm