Are you interested in exploring Indiana presidents and their history with the kids or just a buff yourself? While Indiana was the home state of only one president, there are plenty of presidential locations to check out here. Whether you are studying Indiana history, looking for places to learn more on President’s Day, or celebrating presidential history in honor of an election year, we’ve got you covered!
Memorials & Homes of Indiana Presidents
Grouseland
3 W. Scott Street, Vincennes
This location is many things. It is a presidential site, National Historical Landmark, and was the first brick house ever to be built in Indiana. Grouseland, also called the Harrison Mansion, was the home of William Henry Harrison while he governed the Indiana Territory. It is said to have gotten its name from the large number of birds in the area at that time. From Tuesday through Saturday, you can take daily tours of this 17-room house, filled with many artifacts and furnishings dating back to the 1800’s.
President Benjamin Harrison Home
1230 N Delaware Street, Indianapolis
This family home belonged to the 23rd President, Benjamin Harrison—Indiana’s only president. It currently houses three stories of his original furnishings, décor, and personal presidential memorabilia, as well as the Candlelight Theater. Guide-led tours are typically available daily and last approximately 75 minutes. Check out the rotating exhibits located in the area of the house that was once a ballroom used to entertain guests.
President Benjamin Harrison Gravesite
Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis
Crown Hill is a beautiful and historical cemetery located just east of Newfields and is home to many notable Hoosier gravesites, including James Whitcomb Riley, Colonel Eli Lilly, and John Dillinger. President Benjamin Harrison is the only president who resides in Crown Hill. Each year near August 20—Benjamin Harrison’s birthday—the cemetery throws a public celebration for our 23rd president.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
3027 E. South Street, Lincoln City
Abraham Lincoln spent much of his childhood living and working in Indiana. At the site of Lincoln’s home from his youth, you can still see the sandstone marking for the foundation. At a replica of the cabin and farm, reenactors in period clothing from the 1820s bring this piece of history to life. Check out the memorial building and museum to see memorabilia, artwork, artifacts, and exhibits about Lincoln’s life.
Follow the trail of the 12 Stones from the cabin to the burial site of Lincoln’s mother. Each stone is from a location important to Lincoln’s life and career, with a plaque describing its origin. Lincoln City is very close to Santa Claus, Indiana, so this makes a great trip for a long weekend!
Indiana Presidents Sculptures & Statues
George Washington Statue
200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis
This bronze statue of our first president is located on the south lawn of the Indiana Statehouse. The Statue is said to embody the look of the President when laying the cornerstone for the Capitol. It is one of many copies found around the country, made from a 1959 cast that originated in New York.
William Henry Harrison Statue
200 Battle Ground Avenue, Battle Ground
This statue is located in the Tippecanoe Battlefield Park, where you can learn more about William Henry Harrison’s actions in leading that battle. There is also a bronze sculpture of William Henry Harrison you can visit that is a part of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis.
Young Abraham Lincoln Statue
400 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis
This sculpture resides outside the Indiana Government Center and represents a youthful Lincoln, as he may have looked when he spent his earlier years in Indiana.
Abraham Lincoln Statue
307 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis
Located in the southeast corner of University Park, this sculpture features Lincoln in a seated position. He is raising his hand as a show of peace.
Abraham Lincoln is also featured in additional public works of art. One of these is a Zionsville mural at 98 S. 1st St. This is the previous location of a train depot, where the president engaged with bystanders on his way to the inauguration. Another is being honored as one of the twelve Glick Peace Walk Luminaries, which is located on W. Washington St. and S. Capitol Ave.
Benjamin Harrison Statue
44 E. New York Street, Indianapolis
The monument of our 23rd president is located along the southern edge of University Park.
Vice Presidential Locations in Indiana
Did you know that Indiana is home to more Vice Presidents than any other state except New York? Schyler Colfax (17), Thomas A. Hendricks (21), Charles W. Fairbanks (26), Thomas R. Marshall (28), Dan Quayle (44), and Mike Pence (48) were all Hoosiers. In addition to all our presidential sites, check out these spots celebrating the people of Indiana who were “second to one.”
Schyler Colfax Statue
44 E. New York Street, Indianapolis
Schyler Colfax was known around as “Smiler” due to his upbeat attitude and friendly manner. You can catch a glimpse of that smile here. This bronze sculpture serves as a memorial to Indiana’s first Vice President and is located downtown on the Mile Square.
Thomas A. Hendricks Monument
200 W. Washington Street (southeast corner), Indianapolis
This representation of our 21st VP is located outside of the Statehouse for good reason. Hendricks led the campaign to bring the Statehouse to fruition. There are two other sculptures on either side of him, representing justice and history.
Quayle Vice Presidential Learning Center
815 Warren Street, Huntington
The Quayle Vice Presidential Learning Center location was once the high school of VP Quayle. Here you will find a floor of history dedicated to all former vice presidents, with an additional floor housing memorabilia and a theater. The museum offers field trips and outreach programs, as well as being open to the public.
Get free admission to popular Indianapolis attractions on Presidents Day.
Learn more about presidential history on a road trip to Washington DC.
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