Peru is the county seat of Miami County, Indiana and was established in 1834. It was developed from a section of the town of Miamisport and quickly became the more influential of the two communities while Miamisport faded into history. The town has had several historical events of importance. In 1913, the town experienced a flood that destroyed everything in its path. The year of 1933 saw John Dillinger's gang rob the Peru Police Department armory, making off with guns and bulletproof vests. Peru is home to the International Circus Hall of Fame and has been the winter host at various times to numerous famous circuses such as the Ringling Brothers. It is the annual host of the Peru Amateur Circus, held in July and featuring amateurs from the ages of seven to 21.