Military Park (Indianapolis)
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| Military Park | |
|---|---|
| (U.S. Registered Historic District) | |
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| Location: | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Built/Founded: | 1852 |
| Architectural style(s): | No Style Listed |
| Added to NRHP: | October 28, 1969 |
| NRHP Reference#: | 69000002 |
| Governing body: | State |
Military Park is the oldest park in Indianapolis, Indiana, covering 14 acres (6 ha). In accordance to the Indiana Constitution, the land that forms Military Park cannot be sold; only Monument Circle and half of the Indiana State Capitol shares this distinction. [2][3]
[edit] History
Ever since the founding of Indianapolis in 1820, the grounds of Military Park, originally called Military Ground, have seen various uses. The first documented celebration of Independence Day in Indianapolis occurred at Military Ground on July 4, 1822. The United States Congress would officially give the land to the state of Indiana in 1827, for use in training the local militias. Before 1860, its greatest use for militia training was for the Black Hawk War in 1836.[4]
The 1851 Indiana Constitution forbade the selling of Military Park. The first Indiana State Fair was held at the park in October of 1852. Save for the years which the fair travelled, the site would be used for the state fair until it moved to where Camp Morton would be built in 1860. Stalls and exhibition halls were built on the grounds for such a purpose, surrounded by a large wooden fence. The State Fair would make one last appearance on the property in 1863.[5]
During the Civil War, Union Soldiers would remain encamped at the Park. Governor Oliver P. Morton renamed the park Camp Sullivan, after the 13th Indiana Regiment's Colonel Jeremiah Sullivan. It would be the first designated camp for the federal army in Marion County, Indiana. However, this would severely damage the grounds, due to all of the different troops entering and leaving Camp Sullivan, as it was a marshaling center. Efforts by local resident George Merritt started to improve the grounds, with the addition of a fountain and a small pool with a considerable-size rock foundation. Relics from the War and playground equipment were also added, as was a pavilion that still stands.[6][7]
William Jennings Bryan was notified that he would be the Democrat nominee for the Presidency of the United States on August 7, 1900. The two hour rally was preceded by a march by the candidates from Indianapolis' Union Station.[8]
In 1916 it would be renamed Camp Sullivan Park. Between World War I and World War II, the park again began to deteriorate. Its diminished status would remain until 1980, when the Lilly Endowment and Krannert Charitable Trust granted funds for its improvement.[9]
It would eventually become part of White River State Park.[10]
[edit] Today
Military Park hosts several events, such as rallies, festivals, and outdoor concerts.
In 2007 the park's shelter house was renovated for over $700,000.[11]
[edit] References
- ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2007-01-23).
- ^ Bodenhamer, David. The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis (Indiana University Press, 1994) pg.1008
- ^ White River State Park
- ^ Bodenhamer 1008
- ^ Bodenhamer 1008
- ^ Camp Sullivan (Military Park) Marker
- ^ Bodenhamer 443, 1008, 1009
- ^ ALL READY AT INDIANAPOLIS.; The Town Completes Arrangements For the Bryan Notification Ceremonies New York Times August 6, 1900
- ^ Bodenhamer 1008, 1009
- ^ Bodenhamer 1009
- ^ Shelter House at Military Park Gets a Makeover - Newsroom - Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick
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