Donated to the fledgling State of Indiana by an act of Congress, Military Park has had three major functions in the history of the Capitol City.

In 1832, the first Indiana State Fair was held on the property. It became the focus of celebration with elaborate firework displays, speakers expounding their particular philosophies and a multitude of people-oriented activities. During this period, the Park was characterized by excitement and color befitting a State celebration.

It wasn't until 1846 that its military significance began to emerge. In that year, General Lew Wallace drilled over 300 troops in Military Park during the Mexican War. After a brief respite, the grounds again became the focus of military activity as a staging area for troops processed during the Civil War in the 1860s. Any semblance of a park-like setting was lost by 1866 when the grounds were in deplorable condition and the original trees devastated by military animals. The Park's military role in history became the focus for its nomination to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. It was officially named "Camp Sullivan Park" in 1916.

Finally, a neighbor by the name of George Merritt could no longer ignore this very strategic space in downtown Indianapolis. With some encouragement by city leaders, Merritt once again proposed a major physical change to the space. His plan attempted to combine the military and traditional park uses into an important urban space. Merritt's plan featured a central fountain area with sidewalks reflecting a military badge pattern. Military artifacts were displayed throughout the Park. A massive lily pond occupied the southern portions of the Park, connected to the central fountain by a watercourse.

Since the days of George Merritt, key physical elements have been removed over the years either because of deterioration or lack of maintenance. Until 1980, Military Park became a place to avoid and ignore, its importance long since forgotten. Through the generosity of the Lilly Endowment and Krannert Charitable Trust, Military Park was given a facelift in 1980. Interestingly enough, the renovation did not relate to the importance of Military Park as an urban space, but to its appearance as an immediate neighbor to the new Indianapolis Sports Center. Although the sidewalks were repaired, new lights installed, trees manicured and the lawn restored, Military Park was not intended to play any role but to be an acceptable space. Not until the White River State Park Development Commission gained control of the property in early 1981 was any serious discussion held concerning the possibility of having Military Park become a central and dynamic urban open space with the potential of attracting large numbers of people.

Today Military Park is the site for festivals and concerts. The large urban space is a perfect place to listen to music and eat great food whether you are there for an organized event or having a family reunion. The land known as military park is one of only three pieces of property that is forbidden by the Indiana Constitution to be sold (the other two is Monument Circle and half of the State Capitol building).