Military Park (Indianapolis) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Military Park
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 Location in Indianapolis
Location in Indianapolis
Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | Indianapolis, Indiana |
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| Built | 1852 |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000002 |
| Added to NRHP | October 28, 1969 |
Military Park is the oldest park in Indianapolis, Indiana. It covers about 14 acres (5.7 hectares) and is located in western Downtown Indianapolis.
Contents
Park History
Military Park has been around since Indianapolis was founded in 1820. It was first called Military Ground. This land has been used for many different things over the years.
Early Uses
The very first Independence Day celebration in Indianapolis happened here. It took place on July 4, 1822. In 1827, the United States Congress officially gave the land to the state of Indiana. It was meant for training local militias, which were like citizen armies. Before 1860, it was mostly used for training during events like the Black Hawk War in 1836.
State Fair and Protection
The land that makes up Military Park cannot be sold. This rule comes from the 1851 Indiana Constitution. Only Monument Circle and part of the Indiana State Capitol have the same special protection.
The first Indiana State Fair was held at Military Park in October 1852. The park hosted the state fair every year until 1860. That's when the fair moved to a new location. Stalls and exhibition halls were built at the park for the fair. A large wooden fence surrounded the area. The State Fair made one last appearance at Military Park in 1863.
Civil War Era
During the Civil War, soldiers from the Union set up camp at the park. Governor Oliver P. Morton renamed the park Camp Sullivan. It was named after Colonel Jeremiah C. Sullivan of the 13th Indiana Infantry. This was the first official camp for the Federal army in Marion County, Indiana.
However, using the park as a military camp caused a lot of damage. Many troops came and went, making it a marshaling center. After the war, a local resident named George Merritt worked to improve the park. He added a fountain and a small pool with a large rock foundation. War relics and playground equipment were also added. A pavilion, which is still there today, was built as well.
Political Events
On August 7, 1900, William Jennings Bryan was told he would be the Democratic candidate for President. A two-hour rally was held at the park. Before the rally, candidates marched from Indianapolis's Union Station.
Park Improvements
In 1916, the park was renamed Camp Sullivan Park. Between World War I and World War II, the park started to look run down. It was again known as Military Park. Its condition continued to get worse until 1980. At that time, the Lilly Endowment and the Krannert Charitable Trust gave money to improve it. In 1979, Military Park became part of White River State Park.
Today's Park
Military Park is a busy place today. It hosts many different events. You can find rallies, festivals, and outdoor concerts here. It's also used for DCI marching band practices.
In 2007, the park's shelter house was renovated. The improvements cost over $700,000.
