Lockerbie Square Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lockerbie Square Historic District
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North East Street and Lockerbie Street is the location of the Lockerbie Square Historic Marker
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 Location in Indianapolis
Location in Indianapolis
Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | bounded by Michigan and Davidson Sts., New York Ave., and New Jersey St., Indianapolis, Indiana |
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| Area | 10.9 acres (4.4 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000038, 87000734 (Boundary Increase) |
| Added to NRHP | February 23, 1973, July 28, 1987 (Boundary Increase) |
The Lockerbie Square Historic District is a special area in Indianapolis, Indiana. It's like a protected neighborhood because of its old and beautiful buildings. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
You can see buildings here with unique styles. Some examples are Federal, Italianate, and Queen Anne. This area was first planned between 1847 and 1850. It was named after George Murray Lockerbie, who was from Scotland. His daughter, Jannett Smith Lockerbie McOuat, helped plan it.
In the 1960s, people worked hard to save these old buildings. Lockerbie Square became the very first historic district in Indianapolis. Many of the buildings you see today were built between 1855 and 1930. James Whitcomb Riley, a famous poet from Indiana, lived here for more than 20 years. He was known for giving candy to local children during his walks.
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Discovering Lockerbie Square's Past
Lockerbie Square is the oldest neighborhood in Indianapolis that still looks much like it used to. It is located on the northeast side of the original city plan. This plan was created by Alexander Ralston. The western edge of the district is East Street. This street was once the eastern border of Indianapolis.
The neighborhood is just south of the Mass Ave Cultural District. It is also north of the Cole-Noble District. Lockerbie Square is only about three-quarters of a mile from the city center. This made it one of Indianapolis's first "walkable suburbs."
How Lockerbie Square Got Its Name
At one time, this area was called Germantown. This was because many German immigrants moved into the district starting in 1849. The demand for houses grew in the 1880s. This helped the Lockerbie District to become very successful and grow.
Saving the Historic Buildings
After World War I, many wealthy residents moved to northern Indianapolis. The neighborhood started to decline. But in the 1960s and 1970s, people began to restore it. The new Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana helped with this effort. They used ideas from the preservation work done in German Village in Columbus, Ohio.
Famous Buildings in Lockerbie Square
Here are some of the important buildings you can find in Lockerbie Square:
- James Ray-Buscher House: This was the home of James B. Ray. He was the governor of Indiana from 1825 to 1831. This house, built in 1835, is thought to be the oldest house still standing in Indianapolis. It was moved to its current spot in 1977. It used to be where the Marion County jail is now.
- James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home: This was the home of the famous poet James Whitcomb Riley. He lived here for the last 20 years of his life.
- 628 E. Vermont Street Home: This house was built in the late 1900s. Even though it's newer, it was designed to look like the 1800s buildings. Because of this, the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana gave it an award.
- Reading-Kindell Cottage: Built in 1856, this house is across from the Riley Museum. It was where the housekeeper lived.
- Athenæum (Das Deutsche Haus): Built in 1893, this is a beautiful building. It is the best-preserved building connected to the German American community in Indianapolis. It was once a German American club. Today, it hosts many groups and businesses.
- Heritage Hall: This building was constructed in 1890. It used to be the main office for the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. It was fully updated in 2010. Now it has two different properties at Lockerbie and East streets.
- St. Mary's Catholic Church: This Roman Catholic church was built between 1910 and 1912. It is in the Gothic Revival style. It was designed to look like the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
- Joseph Staub House (1859); William and Netty Holler House (1864); Despa House (around 1870); Webber House (around 1870).
Exploring Lockerbie Square on Foot
You can take a walking tour of Lockerbie Square. This tour was created by the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and the Lockerbie Square People's Club. It takes you past 25 historic homes. You will also see five newer homes that were built to match the older buildings.
