Crawfordsville, founded in the early 1820s, has a diverse history for a small town located in rural, west-central Indiana. The town was the site of an important land office, which attracted many settlers, as well as speculators, to the area. Crawfordsville became known for its intellectual and progressive atmosphere and earned the nickname of the Athens of Indiana, especially for the numerous residents with literary accomplishments. Wabash College was established in Crawfordsville in 1832, and the institutions teachers and students have contributed greatly to the development of the towns culture and prestige. In addition to its authors and poets, Crawfordsville has had its share of musicians, artists, soldiers, and statesmen who have played a role far beyond the borders of Montgomery County, of which Crawfordsville is the seat. Images of America: Crawfordsville is a photographic tour of the people and places that have marked this town from its early days. Some 200 historical images capture the towns development, along with its interesting, and often unique, accomplishments.

Montgomery County never fails to surprise the visitor with its unique and varied history. Even local residents are often unaware of some of their county heritage. Anyone who spends some time in Crawfordsville will eventually know about General Lew Wallace, author of the one-time bestseller Ben-Hur, as well as Senator Henry Lane, who helped found the Republican Party and get Abraham Lincoln nominated for the presidency. Wabash College was founded here in 1832 and is one of the two remaining all-male colleges in the nation -- with the dubious honor of having fired Ezra Pound before he went on to fame as a poet. The Hidden History of Montgomery County will touch upon such topics but will also bring to light many of the area's other deserving stories.

The early west-central Indiana town of Crawfordsville saw the passage of several Native American tribes, as well as French traders and missionaries, traveling along Sugar Creek. Flourishing as the county seat, the city was buoyed by the railroad, horses, and higher education, and is most well known for Wabash College, outstanding American authors such as Lew Wallace (Ben Hur), and the Federal Land Office. Overcoming hardships along the way, the residents' fortitude and commitment to the city's growth enabled them to persevere and establish this lucrative and charming community.