Downtown in Terre Haute in Vigo County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Little Syria on the Wabash

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023

1. Little Syria on the Wabash Marker, Side One

Inscription. In the early 1900s, Arabic speaking Christian Syrians established a community here, part of a movement of Middle Easterners contributing to the growth of cities in Indiana and U.S. Syrians began their lives in this city as poor pack peddlers and with their savings many bought houses and became grocers. They overcame many obstacles, including prejudice against them.

In 1927, Syrians established Orthodox Christian church here, which preserved the community's identity and traditions. Their children and grandchildren enlarged the local Syrian contribution as professionals. civic employees, and businessmen. They also enriched the city's cultural vitality through their ethnic festivals and cafes. Many original families are here today.

Erected 2018 by Indiana Historical Bureau • St. George Orthodox Church. (Marker Number 84.2018.1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.

Location. 39° 28.058′ N,

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87° 24.69′ W. Marker is in Terre Haute, Indiana, in Vigo County. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of Cherry Street and North 5th Street, on the right when traveling west on Cherry Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 750 Cherry St, Terre Haute IN 47807, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana

and in the Wabash Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Civil War Memorial - Vigo County (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colonel Richard W. Thompson (approx. 0.2 miles away); World War I War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crossroads of America (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crossroads Plaza (approx. 0.2 miles away);

Little Syria on the Wabash Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023

2. Little Syria on the Wabash Marker, Side Two

Operation Iraqi Freedom - War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Medal of Honor Recipient (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Terre Haute.

Also see . . .
1. Little Syria on the Wabash. Additional information about Terre Haute's Syrian community. (Indiana Historical Bureau) (Submitted on June 16, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. About Us. Our parish community has been in the Terre Haute area for 95 years (as of 2022), having been started by immigrant Syrian families who settled in the early 20th century. (St. George Orthodox Church) (Submitted on June 16, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 343 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 16, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.