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Miami County

Facts About Miami County

  • Miami County is divided into 14 Civil Townships as follows: Allen, Butler, Clay, Deer Creek, Erie, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, Peru, Pipe Creek, Richland, Union and Washington.
  • Miami County was officially organized March 1, 1834.
  • The first County Seat was at Miamisport. This town was laid out in 1828 and was on the same section of land that is now occupied by Peru, a section originally set aside as a reservation for Miami Indian Chief John B. Richardville who sold the east half to William N. Hood and the western half to Joseph Holman. Peru formally becoming the County Seat by an act of the Legislature on December 26, 1843. By 1849 it contained six churches, one each for the Methodists, Baptists, Episcopalians, Catholics, Old School and New School Presbyterians, over 200 houses and about 1,500 inhabitants. 
  • The first Courthouse was burned down March 16, 1843, destroying all the county records but those of the County Commissioner.
  • Famous musical playwright Cole Porter was born in Peru on June 9th 1891.
  • According to the Society of Indiana Pioneers, an individual was a pioneer of our county if they resided here on or before December 31, 1835.

County Government Website: www.miamicountyin.gov/
County Seat: Peru

Cities in Miami County

Peru

Located on the banks of the Wabash River, Peru has a great history and many historic sites such as the original circus winter quarters, Cole Porter's birthplace and gravesite.  The gravesite of Frances Slocum, Peru Depot, Wabash and Erie Canal Toll House and Seven Pillars.  Another significant point of interest is the Miami Indians.

Being the "Circus Capital of the World", we celebrate our heritage each July with our own world class youth circus and parade.  Our youth circus draws visitors from all across the U.S.A.  Our parade is considered the 2nd largest parade in Indiana.

If it is theatre you desire, we have Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre, Inc.  This community theatre organization has been performing for 40 years.  For relaxation, we have Mississenewa Reservoir for boating, camping, swimming and fishing.  We also have beautiful parks, four golf courses and our Peru Riverwalk.

Annual Festivals and Parades

Cole Porter Festival 

If you enjoy Cole Porter music, you will have a real treat this weekend. The events are sponsored by the Miami County Historical Society, Inc., the Cole Porter Birthplace Restoration Group and Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre. It begins with a black tie gala on Friday evening. Events continue on Saturday with music in the museum, tours of the restored birthplace, the museum (which has Porter’s Cadillac), the Old Fashioned Garden and Cole’s grave. In the evening there is a dinner & musical revue.

Miami County Iron Bridge Festival

Everyone who enjoys canoeing, music and food is invited to this festival at the Stockdale Mill near Roann, Indiana on the beautiful Eel River. The day starts at 9:00 am with the launching of the canoes. Bring your own canoe or rent one at the site. There are checkpoints along the way and transportation back to the mill. The guests tour the restored Stockdale Mill, enjoy a hog roast and music. If you are not interested in the canoeing, come and visit the mill and enjoy the food and music.

Resources

Chambers of Commerce

Libraries

  •  Converse-Jackson Twp Public Libraries
  •  Peru Public Library