Broad Ripple Village, Indianapolis
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Broad Ripple is a former incorporated town, annexed by Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1922, that occupies a region of north central Marion County.
[edit] History
Pioneers began settling the area around 1821, but the town was not heavily populated until around 1836, after the construction of the Central Canal began. The term "Broad Ripple" was first documented in the will of Jacob Coil, who has been credited with the establishment of the town. Coil named the area such because the, "ripple in the river at this point was the largest and widest in the county." Broad Ripple enjoyed a boom from the canal construction, and then gained stature and population with the addition of a number of railroad lines that were built from 1847 on. The railroads helped establish Indianapolis' nickname as "The Crossroads of America."
Broad Ripple continued its growth throughout the 19th century, but could not keep up with its growing neighbor to the south, the City of Indianapolis, and the formerly separate town was engulfed by Indianapolis in the early 20th century.
[edit] Broad Ripple today
Broad Ripple continues to maintain a unique atmosphere with historical importance and cultural value. Many annual festivals are held in Broad Ripple, including the Broad Ripple Art Fair, Midwest Music Summit, the Broad Ripple Music Fest, and the Taste of Broad Ripple. It is home for the Indianapolis Art Center [1], which houses art exhibits and offers art classes, from drawing and painting to printmaking and glass blowing. On May 13, 2004, publication began of the Broad Ripple Gazette, locally-run and privately-owned newspaper that chronicles current events as well as history of the village.
Broad Ripple is also home to approximately 30 bars and nightclubs and thus serves as one of Indianapolis' top neighborhoods for nightlife. It is also home to many unique ethnic eateries such as Indian, Greek, and Thai restaurants. It is even home to two brew pubs, one English, one Belgian.
The Monon Trail runs through Broad Ripple, which is also a connecting point to the Central Canal Towpath which goes by Butler University.
Broad Ripple Park was opened in 1922. Its predecessor, the grand White City Amusement Park, opened on its grounds in 1906, was in business for many years despite a disastrous fire in 1908. It included a small rollercoaster, midway games, a famous Merry-Go-Round (now housed at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis) and, for a time, the second largest swimming pool in the nation. The pool twice hosted the US Olympic trials in 1924 and 1952. Today, Indy Parks and Recreation runs the city park, offering multiple classes, family activities, outdoor swimming and a dog park.
Broad Ripple High School, established in 1886, is part of the Indianapolis Public Schools system and has graduated notable figures like David Letterman, Rosevelt Colvin, and former Indianapolis mayor Stephen Goldsmith.
See: Indianapolis
[edit] External links
- Discover Broad Ripple Village website
- Broad Ripple History
- Broad Ripple Gazette
- Broad Ripple High School History
- Broad Ripple Lodge No. 643, F.&A.M.
- Broad Ripple Pizza Scene
