On March 31, 1880, Wabash, Indiana became the first city in the world to be lit with electric lights.
Covering a little more than nine square miles, Wabash may seem like an unprepossessing, sweet, small-town-USA kind of place, but it holds a huge position in global history as the first electrically lighted city in the world
On March 31, 1880, Wabash, Indiana became the first city in the world to be lit with electric lights.
Covering a little more than nine square miles, Wabash may seem like an unprepossessing, sweet, small-town-USA kind of place, but it holds a huge position in global history as the first electrically lighted city in the world. Ever since the switch was pulled, there's been no stopping this town. It's no wonder that Wabash is the birthplace of corporate magnates such as electronics industrialist Mark Honeywell (the one whose name is on all those thermostats) and Loren M. Berry, the guy who invented the Yellow Pages. Lest you think Wabash is nothing but a proving ground for industrialists; however, it's also home to 10,666 residents (2010 census) who obviously care about saving their historic buildings. They've even saved one of the light bulbs from the night the town got lit up in 1880, which has probably led to a number of local jokes about how many Wabash folks it takes to screw in a light bulb -- but no one seems to mind.
How (and When) to Move
Wabash is easy to drive to from just about anywhere; just take Interstate 74 and U.S. 231. The area does get its share of snow in the winter, so you might want to avoid moving in January, February and March; otherwise, be prepared for occasional blizzard conditions and the resulting traffic tie-ups.
One thing you'll notice right away: housing for rent is amazingly affordable here, especially if you're from the big city. Whether you're looking for duplexes for rent, apartment homes or condos for rent, property rentals in Wabash are priced relatively low compared to a lot of other cities.
What You'll Need
It's not rocket science; just bring your basic ID cards, plus a couple of references from folks who know you, as well as letters from your present/future employer, and you should be able to convince landlords of your honesty. Some apartment managers also conduct credit checks, but don't feel offended -- this is standard procedure nowadays.
Wabash has a number of charming neighborhoods with a variety of homes, ranging from Victorian and turn-of-the-century manor styles to mid-century multi-levels and newly-built contemporary homes. The entire area is bike and pedestrian friendly, and locals like to walk, so you won't be alone if you choose to hit the trail rather than the gas pedal. Here are some neighborhoods to consider:
Grand Street: Here you'll find lovely multi-level homes, including several for rent at surprisingly affordable prices, and all just minutes from Wabash City Park.
Congress Street: This lovely street is lined with large, well-maintained mid-to-late 20th century homes. It's close to Walmart Supercenter, Village Pantry and Walgreens.
Top Apartment Complexes in Wabash
Looking for an apartment? Check out these properties:
Meadowbrook North Apartments: Here you'll find spacious one, two and three bedroom units with plenty of closet space. You'll also have access to a community room and a laundry room if your unit does not come with washer/dryer hookups. This complex is also close to Walmart Supercenter and Walgreens, and not far from Morrett Sports Complex. If that doesn't get you, how does 24-hour maintenance sound?
Colonial Heritage Apartments: These rental apts are set in a lovely, tree-lined, bike-friendly neighborhood that's close to amenities such as Dollar General and Jack in the Box, and minutes away from the Wabash River. Pick up a game at one of the various sports courts available, and then wash all your sweaty clothes over at the on-site laundry room.
All Things Practical
Worried about those Midwest blizzards? They're not that much of a problem here, because Wabash only gets around 22 inches of snow a year. Average January highs are in the low 30s, while July highs are in the low 80s. As for getting around, you can rely on Wabash County Transit buses to get you anywhere you need to go, so a car isn't always necessary here -- although it certainly helps to have one during the winter months.
What to Do in Wabash
If you're into history, you'll love the Wabash County Historical Museum, which tells the tale of Wabash when it was an important Midwestern railroad junction. There's also the Dr. James Ford Historic Home, a restored 19th-century manor that provides a fascinating (and, to our modern eyes, sometimes horrifying) glimpse into the daily lives of Victorian-Era Wabash folk. Also, be sure to visit the County Courthouse, where you'll find that original arc lamp (in modern parlance, light bulb) from the town's first electrical lighting in 1880. You'll also want to make sure and visit the Paradise Spring Historical Park, which includes reconstructed 1880s-era buildings and a gorgeous walkway over the famed Wabash River.
Another great spot for walking is the Wabash City Park, a 35-acre urban oasis that also boasts three lighted baseball diamonds. For more athletic endeavors, check out the popular Morrett Sports Complex, a 54-acre recreational area with fields for football, baseball and soccer, as well as a public pool.
Nights on the Town
To folks just visiting, it might seem like everything in Wabash is historic -- even the movie theater. Built in 1906, the Eagles Theatre used to host touring theatrical companies. Today, it's home to whichever blockbuster movie has just been released -- but it's cool to watch those modern Hollywood flicks when you're surrounded by so much opulence.
Time to eat? Head toward Market St Grill for comfort foods such as turkey and dressing and roast beef. For an elegant night out, make reservations at Twenty for delicacies such as filet mignon and lobster mac and cheese. Afterward, you can join the locals at Smitty's Bar, a popular hangout in a traditional pub setting.
Wabash has something of a double identity. It's a perfectly preserved late-19th century Midwestern town, but it's also a contemporary city that's been much improved and modernized by local industrialists' money. It seems to straddle two centuries, with feet planted firmly in both. The good news is that you can appreciate the beauty of the old while enjoying the comfort of the new, all at the same time.
