Prairie Township, Tipton County, Indiana
| Prairie Township | |
|---|---|
| Township | |
 Location in Tipton County |
|
| Coordinates: 40°21′11″N 86°11′36″W / 40.35306°N 86.19333°WCoordinates: 40°21′11″N 86°11′36″W / 40.35306°N 86.19333°W | |
| Country |
 United States
|
| State |
 Indiana
|
| County | Tipton |
| Government | |
| • Type | Indiana township |
| Area | |
| • Total | 39.69 sq mi (102.8 km2) |
| • Land | 39.69 sq mi (102.8 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) 0% |
| Elevation | 896 ft (273 m) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 1,140 |
| • Density | 28.7/sq mi (11.1/km2) |
| ZIP codes | 46049, 46068, 46072, 46979 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0453771 |
Prairie Township is one of six townships in Tipton County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population was 1,140 and it contained 482 housing units.
Prior to becoming a township, a portion of the land was Miami Indian reservation land. White squatters did settle illegally in the area. The first known named white settler in the area was Alexander Suite. He came to Indiana in 1842 originally Tennessee. Suite built the first log cabin in the township. He eventually relocated to Russiaville, Indiana, eventually. Upon forced relocation of the Miami Indians, the land became available for purchase in 1847.
The Prairieville Cemetery, the first in the township, was founded in 1844. The first frame house was built in 1850.
Prior to 1849, Prairie Township was larger than it is today. The western half of Liberty Township was located in Prairie Township. According to the 2010 census, the township has a total area of 39.69 square miles (102.8 km2), all land.
Historically, Prairie Township was very flat. The soil is thick and conducive to being agriculturally beneficial. The western side of the township was slough or prairie. An extensive drainage system was installed throughout the township which led to the draining of the slough areas, allowing for more farming. White settlers cleared out a large portion of the trees for lumber. Prior to this, the township was plentiful with walnut, beech, maple, elm, ash, willow and spicebush.
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