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67-562: The Wholesale District is one of seven designated cultural districts in Indianapolis , Indiana , United States. Located in the south-central quadrant of downtown Indianapolis ' Mile Square, the district contains the greatest concentration of 19th-century commercial buildings in the city, including Indianapolis Union Station and the Majestic Building . Contemporary landmarks in the district include Circle Centre Mall and

134-633: A bronze statue of Oliver P. Morton , Indiana's Civil War-era governor, was erected at its center. Franklin Simmons, an American sculptor living in Rome , Italy , and a noted sculptor of other Civil War memorial statues, created the statue of Morton, which was surrounded by an iron fence. Dedication ceremonies took place on June 15, 1884, with Indiana governor Conrad Baker presiding. Senator Benjamin Harrison and Colonel William Dudley delivered speeches during

201-459: A commission fee. The Wholesale District was of primary importance in the transformation of Indianapolis from a small town to a big city. Customers no longer had to rely on retailers who sold finished goods shipped from Louisville, Kentucky , or Cincinnati, Ohio . They could now go to a central location and purchase the same items at wholesale prices. With Union Station nearby, wholesalers could ship goods more cheaply and efficiently. The collapse of

268-514: A graphic representation of Monument Circle and the two streets ( Meridian and Market) that intersect it. During the Christmas season the monument is decorated as an enormous Christmas tree . This annual city tradition, which became known as the "Circle of Lights", began in 1962. The tree lighting ceremony is held the day after Thanksgiving . The decoration of the monument uses 4,784 lights and 52 strands of garland put in place by volunteers from

335-477: A home for German societies in Indianapolis to gather. Both were American-born sons of German immigrants, a culture that had a strong influence in the area around this time. Following these many years of good fortune and commercial growth, this area and all of Downtown fell into economic decline following World War II once Indianapolis lost its importance as a railroad hub. Gentrification in the 1990s propelled

402-491: A monument be erected on the highest point in Crown Hill Cemetery , but nothing came of it. In 1872 William H. English addressed a group of Civil War veterans and expressed his support for a monument at Crown Hill, but a bill introduced in the state legislature failed to pass. Other potential sites for the monument included University Park , Military Park , and the corner of Washington and Illinois streets in

469-515: A pedestrian crossing that links park attractions. Points of interest in the district include: In 1870, more African Americans were calling Indiana Avenue home as the original Irish and German populations began to move outward. The population had risen to 974 residents, more than one-third of the city's total African American population. The first African American businesses appeared on the 500 block of Indiana Avenue as early as 1865: Samuel G. Smother's grocery store; William Franklin's peddler shop; and

536-721: A thirty-eight-star American flag, a photograph of Schmitz, the ceremony's program, and other related paraphernalia from the Grand Army of the Republic, the Women's Relief Corps, the Sons of the Republic, and other groups. Ceremonies held on the northeast corner of the monument included a speech by President Benjamin Harrison , an artillery salute, and a parade. Members of Harrison's cabinet, Indiana's governor Alvin P. Hovey , and other state officials were present. The Department Commander of

603-523: Is 30 feet (9.1 m) tall and weighs ten tons. It faces south and cost $ 12,500. The statue also includes a symbolic sword representing victory, a torch that signifies "the light of civilization", and an eagle, a symbol of freedom. Additional outdoor sculptures include Indianapolis sculptor John Mahoney's bronze statues of George Rogers Clark , William Henry Harrison , and James Whitcomb , and Franklin Simmons 's bronze statue of Oliver P. Morton . The statue of Morton, Indiana's governor from 1861 to 1867,

670-533: Is bounded by Delaware Street on the west, New York Street on the north, East Street on the east, and the Indianapolis Union Railway on the south. Points of interest in the district include: Monument Circle The Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a 284 ft 6 in (86.72 m) tall neoclassical monument built on Monument Circle , a circular, brick-paved street that intersects Meridian and Market streets in

737-676: Is located in the Washington Street-Monument Circle Historic District . It is also the largest outdoor memorial and the largest of its kind in Indiana. It was designed by German architect Bruno Schmitz and built over a thirteen-year period, between 1888 and 1901. The monument's original purpose was to honor Hoosiers who were veterans of the American Civil War ; however, it is also a tribute to Indiana's soldiers who served during

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804-815: Is the first monument in the United States to be dedicated to the common soldier, and the largest outdoor memorial and the largest of its kind in Indiana. The monument was included in the National Register of Historic Places on February 13, 1973. In 2011, the American Planning Association recognized Monument Circle as one of nation's "great public spaces" in its annual "Great Places in America" ranking. The minor league Indy Eleven soccer team features Victory prominently in their logo. The Indianapolis city police have

871-537: The AES Indiana corporate headquarters. The Circle Tower is a 1930 building in the southeast quadrant of Monument Circle. The 111,000 sq ft (10,300 m ) building features an Egyptian-motif with other design details that include an ornate lobby. Monument Circle is a prominent public gathering place in Indianapolis to commemorate notable events, including concerts, political demonstrations, and photo opportunities. The flag of Indianapolis includes

938-817: The American Revolutionary War , territorial conflicts that partially led to the War of 1812 , the Mexican–American War , and the Spanish–American War . The monument is the first in the United States to be dedicated to the common soldier. The obelisk -shaped monument is built of oolitic limestone from Owen County, Indiana . It rests on a raised foundation surrounded by pools and fountains. Broad stone steps on its north and south sides lead to two terraces at its base. Stone tablets above

1005-802: The Bart Peterson administration to promote public art and market the city as a cultural destination. Peterson formed the Indianapolis Cultural Development Commission whose steering committee selected the initial five cultural districts in 2003. Originally established as independent municipality on a meander of the White River , Broad Ripple was annexed by the City of Indianapolis in 1922. Present-day Broad Ripple retains much of its pre-annexation character. It currently hosts an active social scene, fueled by

1072-586: The Grand Army of the Republic had raised $ 23,380, before relinquishing responsibility for the monument to the State of Indiana. Further action was taken on March 3, 1887, when the Indiana General Assembly passed a bill to form a monument commission, whose original members included Samuel B. Voyles, D. C. McCollum, Daniel M. Ransdell, George J. Johnson, James, G. Gookins, and Langsdale, who

1139-552: The Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus. Today, while no longer a blighted area, Indiana Avenue's legacy consists of few historic buildings and a plaque. Points of interest in the district include: Market East is the most-recently designated cultural district in Indianapolis, having received that designation in April 2014. The district is on the east side of downtown and

1206-642: The Indianapolis Artsgarden . Prior to its designation as a cultural district, the Wholesale District was one of downtown Indianapolis's most decayed and blighted areas. Around the turn of the 20th century, Indianapolis had one of the largest networks of railroads in the United States with hundreds of passenger trains arriving at Union Station daily. The streets near the station were lined with businesses, hotels, warehouses, and retail shops. Wholesale grocers sold fresh goods daily before

1273-671: The Omni Severin Hotel , and a number of upscale restaurants. The area also includes the Hilbert Circle Theatre , home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra , which underwent a $ 2.5 million renovation in 2003. St. Elmo Steak House has been a fixture in the district since its founding in 1902. Indianapolis Cultural Districts Indianapolis's cultural district program was established as an economic development initiative of

1340-754: The Canal is now home to a burgeoning life science campus connected with the Indiana University School of Medicine . An extension of the Canal into the heart of the White River State Park was completed in 1996. The extension was part of a $ 20 million infrastructure improvement project that included renovation of the Old Washington Street Bridge, built in 1916 as part of the National Road , into

1407-517: The Circle as the monument's site; however, the legislative act that authorized it specifically identified the intended site as Circle Park. To select a design for the new monument, the commission established an international contest and solicited ten architects to submit sketches. Notices were also placed in leading newspapers in the United States, Canada, England, France, Germany, and Italy, to encourage others to submit their ideas. The contest deadline

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1474-517: The Grand Army of the Republic was master of ceremonies. It was the first monument in the United States to be dedicated to the common soldier. Public donations and the Indiana General Assembly's initial appropriations were not sufficient to fund the complete project. More funds were required. The state legislature appropriated an additional $ 160,000, and in 1891, raised over $ 123,000 with an additional property tax. Construction on

1541-540: The Romona Stone Company quarries in Owen County, Indiana . It rests on a raised foundation measuring 30 feet (9.1 m) in depth, surrounded by pools and fountains. Broad stone steps on the north and south sides, each 70 feet (21 m) in length, lead to two terraces at the base of the monument. The obelisk's base measures 52 feet (16 m) in diameter and 12 feet (3.7 m) in diameter near

1608-472: The advent of the modern grocery store. The district had many such grocers, and also wholesalers who sold dry and finished goods. The House of Crane, whose facade remains part of the Circle Centre Mall development, sold cigars; Hanson, VanCamp & Co. sold hardware. In addition, S. Delaware St. became known as "Commission Row", where farmers brought their produce to merchants who sold the goods for

1675-427: The advent of the modern grocery store. The district had many such grocers, but also wholesalers who sold dry and finished goods. The House of Crane, whose facade remains part of Circle Centre, sold cigars; Hanson, VanCamp & Co. sold hardware. In addition, South Delaware Street became known as Commission Row, where farmers brought their produce to merchants who sold the goods for a commission fee. The Wholesale District

1742-477: The area and few businesses remained. Points of interest in the district include: The long defunct Indiana Central Canal in Downtown Indianapolis was refurbished and reopened as a city recreational area in the early 1990s. This new incarnation was inspired by Venetian canals. Cultural attractions, residential, and commercial developments were built along both sides of the Canal. The north end of

1809-651: The area from squalor to one of the city's more fashionable addresses. Currently, redevelopment of Mass Ave focuses on fostering locally owned shops, theaters, and restaurants. The once destined-for-demolition Athenaeum building now houses the American Cabaret Theatre, Rathskeller Restaurant and downtown YMCA location. Points of interest in the district include: Fountain Square is a neighborhood located approximately 1 + 1 ⁄ 2 miles (2.4 km) southeast of Downtown Indianapolis , centered at

1876-407: The area with increasing success. Points of interest in the district include: Around the turn of the century Downtown Indianapolis had one of the largest networks of railroads in the nation and hundreds of trains passed through Union Station daily. Streets adjacent to the station were lined with businesses, hotels, warehouses, retail shops and more. Wholesale grocers sold fresh goods daily before

1943-424: The bells of Christ Church sounded and its choir sang " My Country, 'Tis of Thee ". The monument has been modified and updated several times since its dedication in 1902. The monument is built at the center of Monument Circle, a circular, brick-paved street that intersects Meridian and Market streets at the center of downtown Indianapolis . The neoclassical -style obelisk is built of oolitic limestone from

2010-420: The bronze entrance doors on the obelisk's north and south sides bear inscriptions commemorating Indiana's soldiers. An inscription above the tablets reads: "To Indiana's Silent Victors." An observation deck is accessible by stairs or elevator from the interior. Its commemorative statuary and fountains are made primarily of oolitic limestone and bronze . At the time of the monument's dedication in 1902, its cost

2077-460: The building had deteriorated. It was torn down in 1857, and the site became a vacant lot. As Indianapolis grew and developed during and after the Civil War, the area became a popular meeting place for mass gatherings, public rallies, and celebrations of wartime victories. In 1867 the site was cleaned up, fenced, and designated as the city's Circle Park. The park remained vacant until 1884, when

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2144-602: The center of downtown Indianapolis , Indiana . In the years since its public dedication on May 15, 1902, the monument has become an iconic symbol of Indianapolis, the state capital of Indiana . It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 13, 1973, and was included in an expansion of the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza National Historic Landmark District in December 2016. It

2211-561: The city's downtown business district, along the National Road . No progress was made on the monument until August 1875, when George J. Langsdale, a newspaper editor of the Greencastle Banner , presented a plan for a memorial during the first reunion of Civil War veterans, which was held in Indianapolis. Langsdale's idea was favorably received and a monument association was formed. By 1887 the Indiana Department of

2278-617: The city's first African American-owned newspaper, the Indianapolis Leader in 1879. The Great Migration resulted in the settlement of a sizable African American community along the Avenue. In 1927, the Madam C. J. Walker Building opened. The building and the theater within is named for Madam C. J. Walker , an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist who began her beauty empire in Indianapolis. Indiana Avenue

2345-569: The city's most visible theaters and art galleries. Located just a few blocks northeast of Monument Circle , Massachusetts Avenue was designed in 1821 as one of Downtown's four original diagonal streets and began as a commercial artery that mainly served the surrounding residential area. Mass Ave gained popularity as service-oriented businesses sprung up with the development of streetcar lines, with continued growth between 1870 and 1930. Bernard Vonnegut, grandfather of author Kurt Vonnegut , and Arthur Bohn designed Athenæum (Das Deutsche Haus) in 1893 as

2412-416: The controversy was cleared up in 1893, six years after the bill's initial passage, when its confusing statement was repealed. In the meantime, construction continued using Schmitz's design. The cornerstone was laid on August 22, 1889. Inside, a copper box contained, among other items, an official list of all Indiana soldiers who had served in the Civil War, newspapers, copies of Indiana's two constitutions ,

2479-763: The economy during the Great Depression devastated the area, with few businesses remaining. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Indianapolis Union Station-Wholesale District in 1982, primarily for its notability as the former center for wholesale trade. Since 1995, more than $ 686 million has been invested in the area, transforming it into one of the city's largest entertainment and hospitality districts. Recent additions include more than 35 new businesses, Circle Centre , Gainbridge Fieldhouse , The Residences at CityWay, restoration of

2546-549: The event. Many times after the Civil War suggestions were made to build a monument honoring Indiana's Civil War veterans. The first proposal was made on April 1, 1862, when an anonymous editorial in the Indianapolis Daily Journal suggested a monument be erected in Circle Park; however, no action was taken. Talk of a monument continued in the years following the war. In 1867 governor Morton suggested

2613-483: The focal point at the center of town. The site was originally called the Governor's Circle because of its designation as the future site of the Indiana governor's residence. The Circle was a hub of community life from the town's beginning in 1821. It was used as a gathering place for religious services before the town's churches were built. A weekly market was held on the site from 1822 to 1824. A governor's residence

2680-466: The former United States Secretary of State under President Benjamin Harrison , gave speeches. A male chorus sang and poet James Whitcomb Riley read his poem "The Soldier", which was written especially for the occasion. Musicians played John Philip Sousa 's "The Messiah of the Nations", a march he had composed for the occasion. Following a second parade in the afternoon and an evening vesper service,

2747-409: The intersection of Virginia Avenue, Prospect, and Shelby streets. A center of commerce for more than 100 years, the historic community is undergoing a period of rebirth and restoration, and is an emerging arts center for Indianapolis. In the nineteenth century, the area was a huge working apple orchard. As the city population swelled, the apple trees were cut down and houses were built. The neighborhood

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2814-545: The late-1950s, the African-American middle class had begun to leave Indiana Avenue. The Walker Manufacturing Company remained in operation in the Walker Building in 1965, but the majority of the building was shut down, removing a vital economic anchor for the area. By the early-1970s, Indiana Avenue was suffering from severe urban blight , with much of the area's building stock cleared for the development of

2881-468: The monument as a feature of their badge. The monument is surrounded by the 342-foot (104 m) diameter Monument Circle. The Circle is lined with retail shops, studios for several local radio stations, the Hilbert Circle Theatre (home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra ), financial institutions, the Columbia Club (one of the oldest social clubs of Indiana), Christ Church Cathedral , and

2948-517: The monument's total cost. Schmitz arrived in Indianapolis from Germany in January 1889. Frederick Bauman, of Chicago , was appointed the project's deputy architect and Schmitz's representative. Enos Hege, of Indianapolis, received the contract to erect the monument's foundation, which was completed in 1888, and Thomas McIntosh, of Greencastle, Indiana , and an expert in stonework, became the project's superintendent. The Terre Haute Stone Works Company

3015-427: The monument, which began in 1888, took thirteen years to complete. The obelisk was completed in 1892, the main elements by 1894, and its final installations in 1901. In 1893 the circle was renamed Monument Place. The cost to complete the monument was $ 598,318. An estimate to erect a similar structure in 2014 suggests it would exceed $ 500 million. The monument was formally dedicated on May 15, 1902. Thousands came to

3082-412: The monument. Schwarz adapted Schmitz's original design and added two smaller scenes, The Dying Soldier and The Return Home , below the main groupings. Schwarz also carved four heroic military figures representing the artillery, cavalry, infantry, and navy for the monument's base and executed its bronze entrance doors. Three bronze astragals , one by Nikolaus Geiger and two by George Brewster, surround

3149-839: The north and south sides of the obelisk bear inscriptions commemorating Indiana's soldiers who served in the American Revolutionary War and the capture of Vincennes from the British in 1779 , the War of 1812 and related Indian wars (1811–12), the Mexican–American War (1846–48), and the American Civil War (1861–65). An inscription above the tablets reads: "To Indiana’s Silent Victors." Bruno Schmitz hired Rudolph Schwarz, an Austrian-born sculptor, to create War and Peace , two massive limestone groupings for

3216-432: The north and south steps, while smaller candelabra were placed around the monument to illuminate the drinking fountains installed into bronze buffalo heads. An elevator and stairway provide access to the monument's observation deck from the base of its interior. The monument's first interior elevator began service in 1894. The elevator stops at a level just below the observation deck, requiring 31 additional steps to reach

3283-605: The northwest side of the monument, represents the American Revolution. The statue of Harrison, hero of the battle of Tippecanoe , is installed on the monument's northeast side and represents the War of 1812. The statue of James Whitcomb , Indiana's governor from 1843 to 1848, is installed on monument's southwest side to represent the Mexican–American War. In 1894, the original cascading fountains were replaced with larger versions. Four large candelabra, each 40 feet (12 m) in height, were installed on pedestals at

3350-425: The plot of land at the center of Indianapolis was used as a public gathering place, the site of the Indiana governor's residence, and a city park. Construction on the monument began in 1888 and was dedicated in 1902. The original plan of Indianapolis, founded in 1821, and platted by Alexander Ralston , included a circular, 80-foot (24 m) wide street that surrounded a circular, 3-acre (1.2 ha) plot of land as

3417-471: The public event, which began at 8 a.m. with a parade of flags and veterans of the Mexican-American, Civil, and Spanish–American Wars, and ended with an evening fireworks display. The formal dedication ceremony was held at 10 a.m. with General Lew Wallace as the master of ceremonies. General David R. Lucas led the gathering in prayer, and Governor Winfield T. Durbin , Wallace, and John W. Foster ,

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3484-521: The second astragal with a naval theme that includes a portrait relief of Admiral David Farragut . Brewster also designed the third astragal with the dates 1861 and 1865, the Civil War's beginning and ending dates. Brewster's Victory crowns the memorial. Atop of the monument, Schmitz imagined a classical sculpture featuring a winged Nike , the Greek goddess of war, to symbolize victory in battle. The statue, which became known as Indiana or Miss Indiana,

3551-444: The stone obelisk. Additional sculptures include John H. Mahoney's bronze statues of George Rogers Clark , William Henry Harrison , and James Whitcomb , and Franklin Simmons 's bronze statue of Oliver P. Morton . Brewster's 30-foot (9.1 m) bronze statue of Victory crowns the obelisk. The Indianapolis monument is approximately 21 feet (6.4 m) shorter than New York City's 305-foot (93 m) Statue of Liberty . Originally

3618-481: The stone obelisk. The first astragal is placed 70 feet (21 m) above the obelisk's base. The second astragal is 12 feet (3.7 m) above the first. The third astragal is 80 feet (24 m) above the base, below the capital. Geiger, of Berlin , Germany, cast and shipped the first astragal, a battlefield scene of the army, from Germany. He never saw the monument at Indianapolis and died before its completion. Brewster, an American sculptor from Cleveland, Ohio, created

3685-551: The student population of nearby Butler University . A large number of private art galleries, bars, and independently owned restaurants line the district's streets. There are various venues for eating, drinking, entertainment, and shopping. Located on the Monon Trail , Broad Ripple is also popular with recreational trail users, including bicyclists and runners. Points of interest in the district include: Massachusetts Avenue, or more commonly referred to as Mass Ave, offers some of

3752-456: The top, beneath its capital . The obelisk and its crowning figure of Victory measure 284 ft 6 in (86.72 m) tall. It is 15 feet (4.6 m) shorter than New York City 's Statue of Liberty . Eight stone eagles support the capital, which includes a balcony and a 19-foot (5.8 m) turret to support the Victory statue. Limestone tablets above the bronze entrance doors on

3819-589: The top. The staircase contains 331 steps. The monument also houses a gift shop. The monument's basement formerly housed the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum , but water leakage in 2018 forced the museum to be moved to the Indiana War Memorial building. In 2019, 369,104 guests visited the monument. In the years since its public dedication on May 15, 1902, the monument has become an iconic symbol of Indianapolis. It

3886-464: Was $ 598,318. It has been estimated that construction of a similar structure in 2014 would exceed $ 500 million. The memorial includes several notable outdoor sculptures, including Rudolph Schwarz 's two massive limestone groupings of War and Peace , two smaller scenes named The Dying Soldier and The Return Home , and four military figures at its base. Three astragals, one by Nikolaus (Nicolaus) Geiger and two others by George T. Brewster , surround

3953-557: Was also a friend and fellow artist of the commission's secretary, James F. Gookins, when the two lived in Munich , Germany. Percy Stone , of London , England, received $ 500 for his second-prize entry. Several individuals and companies were involved in the monument's construction. Schmitz received his commission as the project's supervising architect in February 1888. His contract for the project specified his commission as five percent of

4020-420: Was awarded the contract to construct the monument's terraces, approaches, and superstructure. The project's stone and bronze sculptors included Rudolph Schwarz, Nikolaus (or Nicolaus) Geiger, George Brewster, and John Mahoney. Although ambiguous language in the authorizing bill created some confusion over the type of memorial to be erected, either a single monument or a combination of monument and memorial hall,

4087-601: Was built on the Circle in 1827. Due to the mansion's public location and poor construction, no governor ever lived there; however, it was used as offices for Indiana's Supreme Court justices, the Indiana State Library , and the State Bank of Indiana . It was also a site for civic events and celebrations such as inaugural balls for new governors, fundraising events for charity, military receptions, Fourth of July celebrations, and community meetings. By 1851

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4154-402: Was economically strong for many decades, but had suffered from a high unemployment rate and increasing crime and drug problems. In the 1970s, Interstate 65 was constructed through Indianapolis, severing Fountain Square from Downtown's neighborhoods, resulting in a period of decline. Currently, there are a number of neighborhood development corporations and community groups working to revitalize

4221-435: Was elected the committee's president at its first meeting on June 28, 1887. Randsell, who resigned two years later, was replaced by Thomas W. Bennett , and William H. English replaced Bennett. Other commissioners included General Mahlon D. Manson , and Thomas A. Morris . The bill also authorized the monument to be built in Indianapolis and appropriated $ 200,000 for the project. Some state legislators disagreed over use of

4288-421: Was erected at the center of the Circle in 1884. When construction began on the new monument, the statue of Morton was removed from its original site. It was reinstalled on the southeast side of the monument, around 1899, to represent Indiana's role in the Civil War. In 1895, Mahoney received a commission to create three additional sculptures to represent Indiana's role in earlier conflicts. His statue of Clark, on

4355-470: Was home to a notable jazz scene from the 1920s through the 1960s, producing greats such as David Baker , Slide Hampton , Freddie Hubbard , J. J. Johnson , James Spaulding , and the Montgomery Brothers ( Buddy , Monk , and Wes ). Wes Montgomery is considered one of the most influential jazz guitarists of all time, and is credited with popularizing the "Naptown Sound." However, by

4422-406: Was of primary importance in the transformation of Indianapolis from small town to big city. No longer did shoppers have to rely on retailers who sold finished goods shipped from Louisville or Cincinnati. They could now go to a central location and buy the same items at wholesale prices. With Union Station nearby, wholesalers could ship goods more cheaply and more easily. The Great Depression devastated

4489-420: Was set for January 12, 1888, and seventy designs were submitted. The selection committee, who initially did not know the identity of the designers, chose two entries for further consideration. Bruno Schmitz , an architect from Berlin, Prussia, who submitted a design called Symbol of Indiana was the commissioners' unanimous choice as the winner. Schmitz, an architect knowledgeable in the field of monument design,

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