Indianapolis Historical Sites & Memorials
You'll find historical sites throughout downtown and the city, including the home of President Benjamin Harrison, Madame Walker Theater, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the State Capitol, and numerous historic buildings and neighborhoods.
Indiana Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters Memorial
Located on the west side of the Indiana Statehouse at the corner of Government Way and Senate Avenue, this $1 million memorial honors Hoosier police and firefighters who've lost their lives in the line of duty. The cresent-shaped park features statues inscribed with the names of more than 600 fallen heroes.
Indiana Statehouse
Located just blocks from IUPUI, the Statehouse is the center of state government since 1888.
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Lockerbie Home of James Whitcomb Riley
The Museum Home, nestled in the heart of Indianapolis’ historic Lockerbie neighborhood, showcases many of the great poet’s personal belongings including his writing desk, portrait of his beloved dog and his top hat and cane. At the home, visitors get the rare chance to experience the country’s only late-Victorian preservation. Authentic furnishings and décor fill the home with an air of nostalgia.
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Madame Walker Theater
617 Indiana Ave (corner of Indiana and West Street)
For decades, the Madame Walker Theatre has been the heart of Indiana Avenue, once well known throughout the Midwest as the city's center of jazz. Legendary musicians like Bix Beiderbecke and Wes Montgomery played at the Indiana Avenue jazz clubs. The Walker Theatre were originally constructed in 1927 as the home of Walker Manufacturing, founded by the country’s first female self-made millionaire.
The 950-seat theater was initially used as a stage for vaudeville, but after World War II was used only as a movie house. In 1980, the Walker Theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. A $5 million renovation was completed in 1988 and in 1991, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark.
The center now serves as an educational and cultural resource center for the community with particular focus on African-American culture. The center hosts approximately 150 performances per year.
Medal of Honor Memorial
On the Canal across from the State Museum
The only memorial designed to recognize recipients of the nation’s highest military honor is in downtown Indianapolis. The memorial pays tribute to 3,459 Medal of Honor recipients, an award given by Congress for military valor. The memorial represents 15 different conflicts, ranging from the Civil War through Somalia and is composed of 27 curved walls of glass, each between 7 and 10 feet high.
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Morris-Butler House
1204 N. Park Avenue, (317) 636-5409
The Morris-Butler House an 1865 Victorian landmark in Indianapolis offers fascinating tours focused on architecture, decorative arts and family life in the Victorian era.
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President Benjamin Harrison Home
1230 North Delaware Street
She President Benjamin Harrison Home is the former residence of President Benjamin Harrison, 23rd President of the United States. The Harrison Home houses some 3,700 artifacts and 2,440 books.
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Scottish Rite Cathedral
650 North Meridian St, (800) 489-3579
Tudor-Gothic style cathedral, judged during its early days as one of the world's most beautiful buildings. Gothic tower rises 212 feet and contains a 54-bell carillon.
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Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument
Meridian & Market Street
Located at the center of Indianapolis on Monument Circle, this 284-foot limestone monument was dedicated in 1902 and stands as a tribute to the valor of Indiana’s soldiers and sailors who served in the Civil and Spanish American Wars. An observation tower, accessible by an elevator or 32 flights of stairs, provides a panoramic view of the city skyline.
USS Indianapolis Memorial
Situated on the east bank of the Central Canal, the USS Indianapolis Memorial was built to recognize those who died on the last U.S. ship to sink in World War II. The gray and black granite monument stands in the shape of the USS Indianapolis with the story of the sinking etched on one side and the names of all of those who served on the other.
