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Historic Structures of

Indianapolis, Indiana


Indianapolis, in the central part of the state, is the capital of Indiana and seat of Marion Co. Incorporated as a city 1847, and the largest city in Indiana, Indianapolis is a commercial manufacturing, transportation, and cultural center situated in the "Corn Belt" agricultural region.

Points of interest include the home of President Benjamin Harrison; the home of the Hoosier Poet James Whitcomb Riley; the State Capitol (completed 1888); Union Station; the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (1902), in Monument Circle, the heart of the city; Woodruff Place and Lockerbie Square historic districts; Indiana World War Memorial Plaza, including the American Legion national headquarters building; and the Gothic-style Scottish Rite Cathedral (1929).

Numerous cultural institutions and museums are in Indianapolis. In addition, the city supports modern dance and ballet companies, a symphony orchestra, an opera company, and several theater groups, including the Indiana Repertory Theatre.

The community was named Indianapolis in 1821, and the U.S. engineer Alexander Ralston who assisted the French architect Pierre L'Enfant in planning Washington, D.C., was commissioned to lay out the community.

In the 1960s and '70s major programs of urban redevelopment were undertaken by the city. Indianapolis, unfortunately, does not have the most progressive attitude toward historic preservation in the state, but a growing awareness of the city's architectural assets has resulted in a thriving preservationist community.

Images of Indianapolis Indiana - Victorian Morris Butler House is now operated as a museum by Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana

 The magnificent Victorian Morris Butler House is now operated as a museum by Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. The restoration of this landmark has played an important part in regenerating the surrounding Old Northside historic district of Indianapolis.

Perhaps the most unusual feature of the Morris Butler House is the Landmark Dining Room, which people can rent for a catered dinner party in Victorian elegance!

This building is an example of the Second Empire style of architecture. Borrowing heavily from France, the Second Empire style is marked by mansard roofs (steeply sloping roofs punctuated with windows, as in this example) and asymmetry. Another example of this style can be seen in the Sheriff's House on the Crown Point page.

 

Indianapolis Indiana An Indianapolis church, believed to be Central Christian Church, is a beautiful example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture

An Indianapolis church, believed to be Central Christian Church, is a beautiful example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture. This style is marked by round arches over window and door openings, extensive use of stone masonry, and, of course, numerous towers. Richardsonian Romanesque was a popular style of architecture for institutions of stability such as churches, universities and public buildings such as train stations and courthouses.

 

Thanks to Robert J. (Bob) Turner, Chairman, St. Joseph Historic Neighborhood Association, for additional information on the buildings on this page.

 

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