Monument Circle, Indianapolis (must see)
This 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. A weekly market was held on the site from 1822 to 1824. 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.
In August 1875 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. Construction on 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.
Today the Circle is surrounded by 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 - a historic Episcopal church.
Monument Circle is the premier public gathering place in Indianapolis to commemorate notable events, including concerts, political demonstrations, and photo opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the sights of the Downtown area and beyond from the monument's observation level. This area can be reached by either climbing a staircase of 330 steps or taking an elevator that reaches the 290th step.
This area has a nightly light show that often changes with the seasons. All the lights used during the show feature synchronization to a theme that the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has composed for the event. This nightly light show starts at dusk and is available every night.
In August 1875 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. Construction on 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.
Today the Circle is surrounded by 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 - a historic Episcopal church.
Monument Circle is the premier public gathering place in Indianapolis to commemorate notable events, including concerts, political demonstrations, and photo opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the sights of the Downtown area and beyond from the monument's observation level. This area can be reached by either climbing a staircase of 330 steps or taking an elevator that reaches the 290th step.
This area has a nightly light show that often changes with the seasons. All the lights used during the show feature synchronization to a theme that the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has composed for the event. This nightly light show starts at dusk and is available every night.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Indianapolis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Monument Circle on Map
Sight Name: Monument Circle
Sight Location: Indianapolis, USA (See walking tours in Indianapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Indianapolis, USA (See walking tours in Indianapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Indianapolis, Indiana
Create Your Own Walk in Indianapolis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Indianapolis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Walking Tour
The rich history of Indianapolis is reflected, among other things, in the extensive collection of historical churches. Throughout decades, these sacred landmarks have influenced the social geography of the city and today serve as symbols of the city's cultural and architectural heritage.
One such is the Scottish Rite Cathedral, a prominent example of Neo-Gothic style, known for its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
One such is the Scottish Rite Cathedral, a prominent example of Neo-Gothic style, known for its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Indianapolis Introduction Walking Tour
The "Crossroads of America", Indianapolis (or Indy for short) is the capital of the US state of Indiana and the heart of the American Midwest.
The Indigenous people had lived in this area since as early as 10,000 BC before they relinquished their tribal land to the United States, in the Treaty of Saint Mary's, in 1818. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
The Indigenous people had lived in this area since as early as 10,000 BC before they relinquished their tribal land to the United States, in the Treaty of Saint Mary's, in 1818. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Architectural Jewels
A number of unique constructions found throughout Indianapolis have given the city its inimitable identity. Many of them are registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
Some of the best local buildings are situated along the diagonal avenues coming from Mile Square, as per the city plan laid out in 1821 by Scottish-born architect Alexander Ralston (the one who participated in laying... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Some of the best local buildings are situated along the diagonal avenues coming from Mile Square, as per the city plan laid out in 1821 by Scottish-born architect Alexander Ralston (the one who participated in laying... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles