CRAWFORDSVILLE

city, seat (1823) of Montgomery county, west central Indiana, U.S., on Sugar Creek, 45 miles (72 km) northwest of Indianapolis. Founded c. 1823, it was named for Colonel William Crawford, an Indian fighter. It is a commercial centre for the surrounding agricultural area (corn , hogs, dairying) and has acquired some industries, notably printing and bookbinding. Wabash College for men was founded there in 1832 by Presbyterian missionaries. Crawfordsville was the home of General Lew Wallace, author of Ben Hur; Henry S. Lane, statesman; and Maurice Thompson, poet and novelist. Wallace's study (1896) and Lane's home (1836) are preserved as museums. Inc. 1865. Pop. (1990) 13,584.