In 1820, two years after the State of Indiana was accepted into the Union, the General Assembly approved a one square mile (*snicker*) donation for a new state capital. The name Indianapolis is a combination of the state's name, Indiana, and "polis", which is Greek for city. Hence Indianapolis is literally "City of Indiana". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Indianapolis (if anyone cares to read it...even I cant get all the way through haha) This is the original design plans for Indianapolis. The basic layout of Indy is the same, but I wonder if the map makers ever wondered how different the city would actually turn out? In the center of the plat was a circular plot of land designated to be used for the Governor's house. A circular street, "Circle Street" ringed the Governor's house. Today, "Circle Street" is called "Monument Circle" and the Governor's house has been replaced by the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, the state's memorial to Indiana's Civil War veterans. The "Circle" and "Monument" continue to be the focal points of Indianapolis. Original plat map ( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden ) Photo circa 1900: Tomlinson Hall (and I assume City Market) was built in 1900 and burned down in 1958. Tomlinson Tap Room opened in 2010 in the City Market as a historic salute to the Hall. Beneath the Market are catacombs, although I dont think anyone knows what they were used for Tomlinson Hall and City Market ( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden ) I cant find a decent photo of City Market now. It looks much more modern now though 1950 The area was cemented over to provide an area for large gatherings Veterans Memorial Plaza ( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden ) Now Its more park-like now, a definite improvement! Veterans Memorial Plaza ( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden ) The Pyramids Then: Thought the only pyramids were in Egypt, eh? Nope, Indianapolis has our own (they're office buildings heehee)! Ok, so they're not as awe inspiring as the originals, but they're cool just the same This is the back side, with walls of windows. The Pyramids ( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden ) Now: This is the side of them you see from I-465 (the highway that surrounds Indy) Pyramids ( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden ) Indianapolis skyline ( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden )
Great post Jen,..it brought back memories for me,..i have a picture,.. standing with the Veterans Memorial Plaza in the background.
