The City of Peru, Indiana

ABOUT US

Peru is the county seat of Miami County, Indiana, with a population of 11,417 as of the 2010 census, making it the most populous city in the county. Peru is located along the Wabash River, which divides the city in two. 

Peru was founded in 1834 by William N. Hood, who had bought 201 acres of land from Miamisport founder Joseph Holman five years earlier. Holman bought land near the confluence of the Mississinewa and Wabash Rivers in August of 1827, and by 1829, had the land surveyed and laid into into the town of Miamisport. 

By 1835, court was being held in Peru rather than Miamisport, and the name Miamisport quietly disappeared as Peru became the dominant community of the area. 

Peru was the winter headquarters for several famous circuses, including Ringling Brothers, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, and others. The International Circus Hall of Fame is located in Peru. Annually during the third week of July, the Peru Amateur Circus holds performances for the whole week, ending with the Circus City Festival and Parade. All of the performers are amateurs, ranging in age from 7 to 21 years.