Fun Facts
Amelia Earhart
Did you know that Amelia Earhart prepared her plane for her last around the world flight at the Purdue University Airport? She was working at Purdue as a visiting career counselor for women at the time.
Astronauts
Did you know that the first (Neil Armstrong) and the last astronaut (Eugene Cernan) on the moon were both Purdue graduates? There are also 25 other Purdue alumni who are astronauts.
Axl Rose
Did you know that Axl Rose, (born William Bruce Rose, Jr.), an American singer-songwriter, musician and lead vocalist for the hard rock 1980s band Guns N' Roses, was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana?
Emmett Kelly
Did you know that one of the greatest clowns of all time, Emmett Kelly and his persona of “Weary Willie”, choose to call Lafayette his hometown?
Indiana's Oldest Drive In - Triple XXX
Since 1929, West Lafayette's Triple XXX (named for the house brand of root beer) has been serving up the best old-fashioned burgers and fries around. Featured on Guy Fieri's Food Network series Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Indiana's Oldest Bar - The Knickerbocker
Did you know that Indiana's oldest bar is right here in Lafayette? Established in 1835 as the “Cherry Wood Bar” of the Lahr Luxury Hotel, and issued Indiana’s first liquor license. The “Cherry Wood Bar” was later renamed the Knickerbocker Saloon in 1874 when the areas first player piano was introduced. The Knickerbocker boasts a guest list including; President Grant, Mark Twain, Al Capone and even Neil Armstrong (though rumored not much of a drinker).
Kermit the Frog
Did you know that Kermit the Frog was named after a Purdue professor of philosophy who was a childhood friend of Jim Henson?
Sydney Pollack
Did you know that Sydney Pollack, an Academy Award-winning director, producer, actor, writer and public figure, who directed and produced over 40 films was born in Lafayette, Indiana? Sydney Irwin Pollack (July 1, 1934 – May 26, 2008)
Wabash & Erie Canal
Did you know that the Wabash & Erie Canal that passed through Lafayette was the second largest canal in the world? The only one longer was the Grand Canal of China.
First Telegraph
Did you know that Annie Ellsworth sent the first telegraph message of “What hath God wrought?” at the request of Samuel Morse and then moved to Lafayette the next year?
