Near West Lafayette in Tippecanoe County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Blacksmith History at Ouiatenon

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 13, 2026

1. Blacksmith History at Ouiatenon Marker

Inscription. This humble building houses the Blacksmith Shop. The blacksmith was a very important resident at Fort Ouiatenon. He mended guns and made tripods for cooking. A blacksmith was requested by the American Indians as early as 1715, and they received one in 1717. Jean Richard was an early blacksmith at Ouiatenon. He married a Wea woman and in addition to his duties as a blacksmith, he was also an interpreter for soldiers at the Fort.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1715.

Location. 40° 24.375′ N, 86° 57.787′ W. Marker is near West Lafayette, Indiana, in Tippecanoe County. It is at the intersection of South River Road and South Newman Road, on the right when traveling east on South River Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3129 S River Rd, West Lafayette IN 47906, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn

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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: Madame Godare's Flag (a few steps from this marker); Fort Ouiatenon (within shouting distance of this marker); Anthony Wayne's Flag (within shouting distance of this marker); Le Jardin des Herbes (within shouting distance of this marker); Flags (within shouting distance of this marker); Bread Baking Oven (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Birth Place of Rev. Anthony Foucher (within shouting distance of this marker); Shelter House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Lafayette.

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 13, 2026

2. Blacksmith History at Ouiatenon Marker

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 13, 2026

3. Blacksmith History at Ouiatenon Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 22, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.