After begin founded in 1816, Terre Haute's population grew to 66,083 by the 1920s. This was thanks to its great location and its coal mining. The population in 1920 was an increase of 56.8% from the population in 1900. Terre Haute did not stay in prosperity though, as the coal supply decreased in the late 1920s and with the unscrupulous activities happening in Terre Haute the population decreased and did not recover until the 1950s. This growth was due to the companies of Pfizer, Allis-Chalmers, Columbia Records, and Anaconda Aluminum setting up shop in Terre Haute. Even though Terre Haute was bringing in outside companies many other companies in Terre Haute were closing at the time. After reaching Terre Haute's highest population of 71,786 in 1960 another downward spiral occurred. As the downtown of Terre Haute began to deteriorate and with Columbia Records, the city's largest employer, making hugh cuts many people "voted with the feet" and left Terre Haute. This reduced the population of Terre Haute to 57,483.