| Official Name: | Prairie Township |
| Settlement Type: | Township |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Type2: | County |
| Subdivision Name2: | Tipton |
| Government Type: | Indiana township |
| Unit Pref: | Imperial |
| Area Total Sq Mi: | 39.69 |
| Area Land Sq Mi: | 39.69 |
| Area Water Sq Mi: | 0 |
| Area Water Percent: | 0 |
| Population As Of: | 2020 |
| Population Footnotes: | [1] |
| Population Total: | 1061 |
| Population Density Sq Mi: | auto |
| Elevation Footnotes: | [2] |
| Elevation M: | 273 |
| Elevation Ft: | 896 |
| Coordinates: | 40.3531°N -86.1933°W |
| Timezone: | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc Offset: | -5 |
| Timezone Dst: | EDT |
| Utc Offset Dst: | -4 |
| Postal Code Type: | ZIP codes |
| Postal Code: | 46049, 46068, 46072, 46979 |
| Area Code: | 765 |
| Blank Name: | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank Info: | 453771 |
Prairie Township is one of six townships in Tipton County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, its population was 1,061 (down from 1,140 at 2010[3]) and it contained 456 housing units.
Prior to becoming a township, a portion of the land was Miami Indian reservation land. White squatters did settle illegally in the area. The first known named white settler in the area was Alexander Suite. He came to Indiana in 1842 originally Tennessee. Suite built the first log cabin in the township. He eventually relocated to Russiaville, Indiana, eventually. Upon forced relocation of the Miami Indians, the land became available for purchase in 1847.[4]
The Prairieville Cemetery, the first in the township, was founded in 1844. The first frame house was built in 1850.[5]
Prior to 1849, Prairie Township was larger than it is today. The western half of Liberty Township was located in Prairie Township.[6] [7] According to the 2010 census, the township has a total area of, all land.[3]
Historically, Prairie Township was very flat. The soil is thick and conducive to being agriculturally beneficial. The western side of the township was slough or prairie. An extensive drainage system was installed throughout the township which led to the draining of the slough areas, allowing for more farming. White settlers cleared out a large portion of the trees for lumber. Prior to this, the township was plentiful with walnut, beech, maple, elm, ash, willow and spicebush.[7]
The first school in the township was built in 1845. Oren Williams was the first teacher. He was paid using a subscription model. Terms were three months long and he was paid $1.25 per term per student. Public schools became part of the community in 1852.[8]
Students in Prairie Township attend Tri-Central Community Schools.
The Prairieville Cemetery was founded in 1844, it was the first in the township. The Normanda Cemetery was founded after the Prairieville Cemetery, followed by the founding of the Liberty Cemetery.[5]