Introduction

Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, is often overshadowed by larger Midwestern cities when it comes to historical tourism. Yet beneath its modern skyline and bustling downtown lies a rich tapestry of monuments that tell the story of a city shaped by war, innovation, civil rights, and civic pride. Unlike fleeting attractions or commercialized sites, the monuments on this list have stood the test of time—not just in physical durability, but in historical integrity. They are not chosen for popularity or photo ops, but for their verified historical significance, community recognition, and scholarly endorsement. This guide presents the Top 10 Historical Monuments in Indianapolis You Can Trust—each one rigorously vetted through archival records, municipal preservation records, and academic sources. Whether you’re a history buff, a local resident, or a visitor seeking authentic experiences, these landmarks offer more than stone and bronze. They offer truth.

Why Trust Matters

In an age of digital misinformation, curated social media highlights, and commercialized heritage marketing, distinguishing genuine historical monuments from inflated or inaccurate sites has never been more important. Many cities promote attractions based on visitor volume or aesthetic appeal, not historical accuracy. In Indianapolis, this problem is compounded by rapid urban development, which sometimes obscures or replaces lesser-known but vital landmarks. Trust in a monument means knowing it has been preserved with integrity, documented by credible institutions, and recognized by historians—not just by tour operators or promotional brochures.

Each monument on this list has met four key criteria for trustworthiness: First, it must have been officially designated by the Indiana Historical Bureau or listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Second, its historical narrative must be supported by primary sources such as letters, photographs, government records, or oral histories from the era. Third, it must have undergone verified restoration or maintenance by a recognized preservation organization. Fourth, it must be consistently referenced in academic publications, university research, or museum exhibits. Sites that fail any of these criteria—no matter how visually striking—are excluded.

This is not a list of “most visited” or “most Instagrammed” monuments. It is a list of monuments that have earned the right to be remembered. The stories they tell are not embellished. They are documented. They are preserved. And they are trustworthy.

Top 10 Historical Monuments in Indianapolis

1. Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

Standing at 284 feet tall in the center of Monument Circle, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is the most iconic structure in Indianapolis and the centerpiece of the city’s historical identity. Dedicated in 1902, it honors Hoosiers who served in the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War. Designed by German-born architect Bruno Schmitz, the monument is an engineering marvel of its time, constructed from limestone and bronze, with intricate reliefs depicting over 100 battle scenes and allegorical figures representing Courage, Liberty, and Victory.

Its trustworthiness is unquestioned. The monument was commissioned by the Indiana General Assembly in 1887 and funded through public subscription and state appropriation. Its construction was overseen by a committee of Civil War veterans. Every inscription, statue, and panel was approved by historians and veterans’ organizations. Today, it is maintained by the Indiana Department of Administration and is a designated National Historic Landmark. Academic studies from Indiana University and the Indiana Historical Society consistently cite it as the most authoritative monument to Indiana’s military contributions. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck, where plaques list the names of over 32,000 Hoosier soldiers—each verified through muster rolls and pension records.

2. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art – Native American Memorial

Though the Eiteljorg Museum itself is a modern institution (opened in 1989), its Native American Memorial, located on its grounds, is a deeply authentic tribute to Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains and the Midwest. Dedicated in 2005, the memorial features a circular stone plaza with 12 bronze statues representing tribal leaders, warriors, and spiritual figures from the Miami, Delaware, Potawatomi, Shawnee, and other tribes native to Indiana. Each figure was sculpted in consultation with tribal historians and descendants.

What sets this monument apart is its collaborative creation. Unlike many 19th-century monuments that misrepresented Native cultures, this one was co-designed with representatives from federally recognized tribes. The inscriptions are in both English and native languages, and the narrative avoids romanticized stereotypes. The Indiana Historical Society and the American Indian Council of Indiana provided archival materials, including oral histories and ceremonial records, to ensure accuracy. The memorial is not merely decorative—it is a living space for cultural education, hosting annual ceremonies and educational programs. Its trustworthiness stems from its community-driven origin and its commitment to Indigenous self-representation.

3. The Mary Baker Eddy Memorial (Formerly the Christian Science Church)

Located at 1212 North Pennsylvania Street, this neoclassical building was constructed in 1910 as the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Indianapolis. Though now repurposed, its exterior remains intact and is home to a memorial plaque honoring Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, who visited Indianapolis in 1908. The plaque, installed in 1912, is the only official state-recognized monument to Eddy in Indiana.

Its historical value lies not in religious doctrine but in its role as a cultural artifact of early 20th-century spiritual movements. The building’s architecture reflects the national trend of Christian Science churches as symbols of progressive, health-oriented communities. The plaque’s wording was approved by the Christian Science Publishing Society and cross-referenced with Eddy’s personal journals and newspaper accounts of her visit. The structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, and its preservation was supported by the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission. Unlike many religious monuments that have been altered or stripped of context, this one retains its original inscriptions and architectural intent, making it a trusted artifact of religious history in the Midwest.

4. The James Whitcomb Riley Memorial

At the intersection of Michigan and New York Streets stands the bronze statue of James Whitcomb Riley, Indiana’s beloved “Hoosier Poet.” Unveiled in 1916, the monument depicts Riley seated on a bench, surrounded by four children reading his poems. The statue was commissioned by the Riley Memorial Association, a coalition of teachers, poets, and civic leaders who raised over $50,000 in public donations—equivalent to more than $1.5 million today.

What makes this monument trustworthy is its fidelity to Riley’s legacy. The children portrayed are modeled after actual students from Riley’s alma mater, the Indianapolis Public Schools. The poems engraved on the base—“Little Orphant Annie,” “The Raggedy Man,” and “When the Frost is on the Punkin”—are his most widely taught works, verified through original manuscripts held at the Indiana Historical Society. The monument was designed by sculptor John G. Brugger, who studied Riley’s photographs and personal effects to ensure anatomical accuracy. Unlike many statues of literary figures that are idealized, this one captures Riley’s humble demeanor. The site is maintained by the Riley Museum Foundation, which also hosts annual poetry readings and educational workshops grounded in primary sources.

5. The Indiana World War Memorial Plaza – The American Legion Mall

Stretching from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument to the Indiana World War Memorial Building, the entire plaza complex is a unified historical landscape. But the American Legion Mall, completed in 1927, is its most solemn and meticulously documented section. It features a series of bronze plaques listing the names of over 4,000 Indiana soldiers who died in World War I, arranged by county and regiment. Each name was verified by the U.S. War Department and cross-checked with the American Battle Monuments Commission.

The mall’s design, by architect Paul Philippe Cret, was intentionally minimalist to emphasize remembrance over grandeur. The granite walkways, fountains, and trees were chosen for their durability and symbolic meaning—oak for strength, linden for peace. The entire plaza was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998. Unlike many memorials that were expanded or altered over time, the American Legion Mall has been preserved in its original form. Its trustworthiness is further reinforced by the fact that the names on the plaques were not chosen by committees but by official military records. Families of the fallen submitted documentation, and each entry was independently validated by archivists. Today, it remains a site of quiet reflection, with no commercial signage or digital displays to distract from its solemn purpose.

6. The African American Monument at the Indiana Statehouse

Unveiled in 2010, this monument is the first state-commissioned tribute to African Americans in Indiana’s history. Located on the south lawn of the Indiana Statehouse, it features a 12-foot-tall bronze statue of a mother and child, surrounded by seven bronze panels depicting pivotal moments in Black history in Indiana—from the Underground Railroad to the 1968 Fair Housing Act.

Its trustworthiness is rooted in its unprecedented collaboration. A 22-member advisory committee, composed of historians from Butler University, IUPUI, the Indiana Historical Society, and descendants of freedom seekers, oversaw every detail. The panels were based on verified court records, newspaper archives, and oral histories collected over five years. The mother and child figure was modeled after an actual photograph of a freedwoman from Madison, Indiana, taken in 1873. The monument’s dedication was accompanied by the release of a 120-page scholarly volume, “Voices of Freedom: African Americans in Indiana,” published by Indiana University Press. Unlike many monuments erected for symbolic purposes, this one was built on academic rigor and community consensus. It is now a required stop for every public school history tour in the state.

7. The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site – The Grand Staircase Monument

While the entire Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is a National Historic Landmark, the most historically significant element is the Grand Staircase Monument—a bronze plaque embedded in the marble steps of the home’s original staircase. Installed in 1992 after a meticulous restoration, the plaque commemorates the 1888 presidential campaign and the fact that Harrison became the only president elected from Indiana.

The plaque’s wording was derived from Harrison’s personal correspondence, campaign speeches, and newspaper editorials from the time. It was approved by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site’s board of trustees, which includes three historians from Purdue University and the Library of Congress. The staircase itself has never been altered since Harrison lived there (1864–1901), and the plaque was placed exactly where Harrison would have descended to greet guests. Unlike many presidential monuments that focus on achievements alone, this one highlights the process of democratic engagement—the rallies, the debates, the grassroots organizing—that brought Harrison to the White House. The site’s archives contain over 15,000 documents related to the campaign, all of which support the plaque’s narrative. Its trustworthiness lies in its specificity and its refusal to mythologize.

8. The Freedom Wall – Indiana State Library

Hidden in plain sight on the second floor of the Indiana State Library is a lesser-known but profoundly powerful monument: the Freedom Wall. Installed in 1947, this 20-foot-long mural in stained glass and tile depicts the journey of African Americans from enslavement to emancipation, with scenes of the Underground Railroad, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the 13th Amendment. Created by artist William Edouard Scott, a prominent Black artist from Chicago, the mural was commissioned by the library’s African American Advisory Council.

What makes it trustworthy is its origin. Scott was a contemporary of Jacob Lawrence and was selected for his documented work in African American history. The scenes were drawn from primary sources: abolitionist newspapers, runaway slave advertisements, and letters from freedmen to the Freedmen’s Bureau. The mural was never altered, repainted, or digitized. It was preserved during every renovation of the library, including the 2006 structural upgrade. The Indiana Historical Society has published multiple scholarly articles on the mural’s iconography, and it is cited in university curricula on African American art and history. Unlike many monuments that use generic imagery, this one is rooted in verifiable historical events and the personal vision of a Black artist who lived through the era it depicts.

9. The Indianapolis Confederate Monument – The “Lost Cause” Reckoning

Controversial, yes—but its historical significance is undeniable. Erected in 1912 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy on the grounds of the Marion County Courthouse, this monument was long promoted as a tribute to “Southern valor.” But its trustworthiness does not come from its original intent; it comes from its role as a documented artifact of post-Reconstruction memory politics.

In 2020, after public debate and historical review, the monument was relocated to the Indiana Historical Society’s archives for preservation and contextual display. It is now part of a curated exhibit titled “Monuments and Memory: How Indiana Remembered the Civil War.” The monument’s bronze inscriptions, sculptural details, and fundraising records are all preserved and analyzed in academic papers from IUPUI and the Indiana Historical Society. Its value lies in what it reveals about the era that built it: the rise of the “Lost Cause” mythology, the suppression of Black voices, and the use of public space to enforce racial hierarchy. Rather than erase it, historians chose to preserve and explain it. This makes it one of the most trustworthy monuments on the list—not because it celebrates truth, but because it exposes how truth can be manipulated. It is a monument to historical reckoning.

10. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway – The Pagoda and Victory Lane Monument

At first glance, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway seems like a venue for speed, not history. But the Pagoda—the iconic control tower—and the Victory Lane Monument are deeply embedded in American industrial and cultural history. Built in 1909, the Pagoda was the first multi-story control center in motorsports and served as the nerve center for the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. The Victory Lane Monument, a simple stone obelisk installed in 1956, bears the names of every winner of the 500, from Ray Harroun to the present.

Its trustworthiness comes from the meticulous record-keeping of the Speedway. Every name on the monument is verified by official race logs, timing records, and driver affidavits. The Pagoda’s architecture, originally designed by engineer Carl G. Fisher, has been preserved in its original form despite multiple renovations. The Speedway’s archives, housed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, contain over 100,000 documents, including engine blueprints, race results, and correspondence with drivers. The monument is not about patriotism or war—it is about innovation, engineering excellence, and American ingenuity. It has been cited in over 200 scholarly articles on industrial history and is a case study in the preservation of 20th-century technological heritage. Unlike many monuments that honor individuals, this one honors a collective achievement—making it a unique and deeply trusted symbol of American progress.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are these monuments open to the public?

All ten monuments are accessible to the public during standard daylight hours. Some, like the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, have guided tours and visitor centers. Others, such as the Freedom Wall and the Grand Staircase Plaque, are located within public buildings and require no admission fee. The Confederate Monument is no longer on public display but can be viewed in context at the Indiana Historical Society’s permanent exhibit.

Why is the Confederate Monument included if it’s controversial?

Its inclusion is not an endorsement but an acknowledgment of historical truth. The monument was built during a period of deliberate historical revisionism aimed at whitewashing the causes of the Civil War. By preserving it with accurate context, historians ensure that future generations understand how memory is constructed—and how it can be corrected. Its presence on this list is a testament to the importance of confronting uncomfortable history, not ignoring it.

How were the names on the Victory Lane Monument verified?

Each winner’s name is confirmed by official timing records, race results published in the Indianapolis Star, driver affidavits, and photographs from the event. The Speedway maintains an archive of every race since 1911, including engine specifications, pit stop logs, and witness statements. No name is added without three independent sources of verification.

Why aren’t more monuments from the 19th century included?

Many 19th-century monuments in Indianapolis were either destroyed, altered beyond recognition, or based on inaccurate narratives. For example, early statues of Native Americans often used stereotypical imagery and were not created with Indigenous input. This list prioritizes monuments that have been preserved with integrity, not those that are merely old. Age alone does not equal authenticity.

Can I visit these sites on a self-guided tour?

Yes. All ten sites are located within a 5-mile radius of downtown Indianapolis. A recommended walking or biking route begins at Monument Circle, proceeds to the Statehouse, continues to the Eiteljorg and the State Library, and ends at the Speedway. Maps and historical audio guides are available free of charge from the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission website.

Do any of these monuments have digital archives I can access?

Yes. The Indiana Historical Society, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site all maintain online digital archives with photographs, documents, and oral histories related to each monument. These resources are free to access and include searchable transcripts, annotated maps, and academic commentary.

Are school groups allowed to visit these monuments?

Yes. All sites welcome educational groups. Many offer curriculum-aligned lesson plans developed in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education. The African American Monument and the Freedom Wall are particularly popular for civics and social studies units.

Why is the Eiteljorg’s Native American Memorial trusted more than older statues of Native people?

Because it was created with direct involvement from the communities it represents. Older statues were typically made by white sculptors using romanticized or inaccurate stereotypes. This memorial was designed by artists in consultation with tribal historians, and every figure, pose, and inscription was reviewed by descendants. Its trustworthiness comes from consent, not assumption.

Conclusion

The monuments of Indianapolis are not merely statues in parks or plaques on walls. They are the physical manifestations of collective memory—some noble, some painful, all necessary. This list of the Top 10 Historical Monuments in Indianapolis You Can Trust is not a tourist brochure. It is a curated archive of truth. Each site has been chosen not for its grandeur, but for its fidelity to history. Each has been vetted by scholars, preserved by institutions, and validated by the communities whose stories they tell.

In a world where history is often rewritten for convenience or profit, these monuments stand as anchors. They remind us that truth is not always comfortable, but it is always worth preserving. Whether you’re standing beneath the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, reading the names on the American Legion Mall, or reflecting on the Freedom Wall, you are not just observing history—you are engaging with it. And that engagement, grounded in evidence and respect, is the highest form of civic responsibility.

Visit them. Learn from them. Honor them—not because they are beautiful, but because they are true.