Lafayette Trace Park History

Strawtown Farm
This land, along the White River, was purchased in April 1997 from Kenneth G. Stern, Keith A. Stern, and Diana K. Stern. The original name of the property was Strawtown Farm. The park was later renamed to Lafayette Trace Park after the Lafayette Trace Trail which crossed through the property and many parts of Indiana including Randolf, Delaware, Madison, Hamilton, Boone, Clinton, and Tippecanoe counties.
A sign that reads Lafayette Trace Park

Lafayette Trace Trail & Central Canal

The Lafayette Trace Trail was the 1st east to west trail across central Indiana and one of the main roads in 1835. The trail was a Native American trail and connected several historical Native American and white settlements making this property significant in Indiana's history. The land also includes remnants of the Central Canal. The canal, which began in downtown Indianapolis, was supposed to continue to Anderson. In 1837, the restoration came to a halt due to the depression. According to Hamilton County Historian, David Highway, :the trail would have been the route that Tecumseh used when he would travel from the Delaware village at Anderson to the Tippecanoe River, an area that would become Prophetstown and the site of the Battle of Tippecanoe. 

Lafayette Trace Park Today

In 2007, a boat ramp was constructed at the park through a partnership with Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The plans for the park include trails, overlooks, scout group camping area, prairie, multi-use areas, and a rentable year round shelter facility.