Courtesy Wikipedia
Built in 1888, Indianapolis radiates out from this powerful 285-foot tall monument that is only 15-feet shorter than the 1886 Statue of Liberty which is visible to ships entering New York Harbor from 60 miles away. It serves as a plaza/center of congregation in the centermost part of the city. While Meridian St runs through it from north to south, Market St runs through it from east to west.
One can even take an elevator to the top of the Monument for $2 (the original elevator which could not meet current safety standards has been retired to a museum) for a 360 degree view of the entire city. Dedicated in 1902 to the Indiana war dead, it has a powerful presence that cannot be overstated. Easily the Eiffel Tower of the Midwest, all of the buildings that surround it are contoured around the Monument in a circular shape. And by code, they have been built with enough setback so they do not cast a shadow on the Monument during any part of the day.
It is at the Monument that, during the hot summer months, this towering icon with state park status finds all the grounds and streets below it closed off for festivals, and church, motorcycle, college and high school rallies. One day a summer even finds the street covered with yoga mats and yoga practitioners. Even with events always taking place, the public is still all around its edges on its circular sidewalks and especially at the many food and drink businesses. Even the local bike messengers meet here on a somewhat regular basis.
Other posts about Indianapolis history Martin Krieg created as he wrote "How Indianapolis Built America" are at this link HERE
You must be logged in to post a comment.