The city of Indianapolis was established by proclamation in 1816 when Indiana officially changed into a state. This is different from many other cities and state capitals which were settled by populations of settlers growing gradually over a period of time. The Government had basically put aside four different locations within the state to potentially become the capital. In 1820, the Indiana lawmaking council assigned 10 commissioners to find the true center of the state for the capital location. The rational was that settlers moving westward might stop and make Indianapolis their home. Sure enough it worked and the capitol was born. Rich with history, there are several historic buildings in Indianapolis which are worth a visit.
President Benjamin Henry Harrison Home
President Benjamin Henry Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States from 1889 to 1893. His home, located on Delaware Street functions as a museum detailing his life and his political career. Open to the general public, tours are available daily. Each tour takes about 1 hour, allowing each visitor to view the 10 room mansion. A highlight is the with a third floor dancehall. The incontrovertible fact that a US President resided here, makes it one of the more fascinating historical huildings in Indianapolis.
Oldfields Lilly House and Gardens
Though built by Hugh Mckennan from around 1910 into the early 1920s, this mansion is essentially called of the second owners who bought it in 1932. J.K. Lilly Jr, a local entrepreneur, and his spouse Ruth purchased this sprawling home which is now found on the same grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Lilly gets credit for hiring the Olmstead Bros, who transformed the grounds and the 22-room mansion into what it is today. The amazing scale and scope of the home and grounds make it one of the most electrifying buildings in Indianapolis. Tours are given from April through the December 31 each year. You can't miss out on seeing this place, so be sure to pay a visit.
Hooks Drug Store Museum and Soda Fountain
If you happen to have got a hankering for an old time ice cream sundae or ice cream float, then look no further than Hooks Drug Store Museum and Soda fountain. Found on the Indiana Fairgrounds, this museum celebrates the company that began in 1900 and grew to 50 stores by the late 1960?s. The museum is still operational and has a set of artifacts celebrating the old-time drug store culture. While the museum is only open during the Indiana State Fair, it could also be hired out for specialized events. To get a feel for how things used to be pay this old soda shop a visit for some tasty morsels.
Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum and Soldiers and Sailers Monument
Found in the middle of Indianapolis, this mix monument and building stands 284 feet and 6 inches high, making it just 15 feet short of the Statue of Freedom. One of the more impressive buildings in Indianapolis, the structure was built in 1902 at a price of about $600,000. Works are placed across the interior of the monument for visitors to see. In addition, there's an observation deck that gives visitors a gorgeous view of downtown Indianapolis and beyond. For a great view of Indy and some fun for the family be sure to pay this site a visit.
James Whitcomb Riley Museum
Located in the Lockerbie Square District, this home belonged to the distinguished poet James Whitcomb Riley. Once inside, you can peruse numerous samples of his writing. Visitors to the museum can almost picture him reading one of his favorite authors, Charles Dickens, by gaslight. This 2 story home turned into a National Landmark in 1962 and is open to the general public year-long.
President Benjamin Henry Harrison Home
President Benjamin Henry Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States from 1889 to 1893. His home, located on Delaware Street functions as a museum detailing his life and his political career. Open to the general public, tours are available daily. Each tour takes about 1 hour, allowing each visitor to view the 10 room mansion. A highlight is the with a third floor dancehall. The incontrovertible fact that a US President resided here, makes it one of the more fascinating historical huildings in Indianapolis.
Oldfields Lilly House and Gardens
Though built by Hugh Mckennan from around 1910 into the early 1920s, this mansion is essentially called of the second owners who bought it in 1932. J.K. Lilly Jr, a local entrepreneur, and his spouse Ruth purchased this sprawling home which is now found on the same grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Lilly gets credit for hiring the Olmstead Bros, who transformed the grounds and the 22-room mansion into what it is today. The amazing scale and scope of the home and grounds make it one of the most electrifying buildings in Indianapolis. Tours are given from April through the December 31 each year. You can't miss out on seeing this place, so be sure to pay a visit.
Hooks Drug Store Museum and Soda Fountain
If you happen to have got a hankering for an old time ice cream sundae or ice cream float, then look no further than Hooks Drug Store Museum and Soda fountain. Found on the Indiana Fairgrounds, this museum celebrates the company that began in 1900 and grew to 50 stores by the late 1960?s. The museum is still operational and has a set of artifacts celebrating the old-time drug store culture. While the museum is only open during the Indiana State Fair, it could also be hired out for specialized events. To get a feel for how things used to be pay this old soda shop a visit for some tasty morsels.
Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum and Soldiers and Sailers Monument
Found in the middle of Indianapolis, this mix monument and building stands 284 feet and 6 inches high, making it just 15 feet short of the Statue of Freedom. One of the more impressive buildings in Indianapolis, the structure was built in 1902 at a price of about $600,000. Works are placed across the interior of the monument for visitors to see. In addition, there's an observation deck that gives visitors a gorgeous view of downtown Indianapolis and beyond. For a great view of Indy and some fun for the family be sure to pay this site a visit.
James Whitcomb Riley Museum
Located in the Lockerbie Square District, this home belonged to the distinguished poet James Whitcomb Riley. Once inside, you can peruse numerous samples of his writing. Visitors to the museum can almost picture him reading one of his favorite authors, Charles Dickens, by gaslight. This 2 story home turned into a National Landmark in 1962 and is open to the general public year-long.
About the Author:
Pris Stratton has been fascinated by buildings in Indianapolis for a number of years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more info about Indianapolis landmarks come visit her site.
