Indianapolis, a new start

Since it’s cold and snowy out, I am unable to get outside and take some pics for this blog, so I thought I would give a little insight to our city.

The city of Indianapolis was founded as the state capital in 1825. Previously, the state capital was Corydon, Indiana. The state commissioned Alexander Ralston to design the new city in 1821. Ralston, who was an apprentice to Pierre L’Enfant, and helped him design the layout of Washington D.C. In fact, Ralston modeled the city of Indianapolis after Washington D.C. The original plan was for Indianapolis to inhabit a one square mile, the boundaries being North, East, South and West Streets. The governor’s residence was to sit in the center, and did so until 1857. Now, this site contains Indy’s most recognizable landmark, the Soldier and Sailors monument, (i.e. Monument Circle).

The monument was designed by German architect, Bruno Schmitz. The monument was dedicated in 1902 and appears to be Schmitz’s only commission outside of Germany and Switzerland. The limestone sculptures were completed by Vienna-born Rudolf Schwarz, and the broze statues by German Nicolaus Geiger.

Street numbering begins at Washington Street (the Old National Road, U.S. 40) and Meridian street, one block south of Monument Circle.