Terre Haute, INDIANA - St. Benedicts Church - 1913: This Church's website speaks of its 149-year-old history. Terre Haute is a city of Indiana, United States, near the state's western border with Illinois. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 60,785 and its metropolitan area had a population of 170,943. The city is the county seat of Vigo County and the self-proclaimed capital of the Wabash Valley. The Wabash River dominates the physical geography of the city, forming its western border. Small bluffs on the east side of city mark the edge of the historic flood plain. Lost Creek and Honey Creek drain the northern and southern sections of the city, respectively. In the late 19th century (particularly during the Terre Haute Oil Craze of 1889), several oil and mineral wells were productive in and near the center of the city. Those have not been tapped for many years. Terre Haute's name was derived from the French phrase terre haute, meaning "High Land". It was likely named by French explorers in the area in the early 18th century to describe the unique location above the Wabash River. At the time the area was claimed by the French and English, these highlands were considered the border between Canada and Louisiana. This Divided Back Era postcard, mailed in 1913, is in good condition but shows some edge wear.