Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church is a yellow brick structure with stone details and a corner tower crowned with a cross, located at the intersection of Third and Crawford Streets. The building displays 19th-century architecture with sturdy construction and a steeple that serves as a local landmark.

The church was founded in 1837 and served as a vital stop on the Underground Railroad, with a tunnel connecting to the Wabash River for helping people escape slavery. This role made it a crucial refuge during a pivotal time in American history.

The congregation played a central role in the African American community of Terre Haute, serving as a gathering place for worship and mutual support. Today, the building continues to function as a space where the local community comes together for religious services and spiritual life.

The building sits at a corner location in the downtown area, making it easy to locate and approach from nearby streets. Visitors should remember that this is an active place of worship where community members gather regularly, so appropriate respect for the space is important.

The church received a bell from the original Vigo County Courthouse that hung in the tower until lightning damaged it in 1913. This object links the building to the wider civic history of the city and the connections between its key institutions.