The land that is now White River State Park is full of rich history. Stretching 250 acres around the banks of the White River in downtown Indianapolis, the park's history reflects the progress, development, and cultural and environmental changes that society has experienced over the years. This timeline attempts to highlight some of the most significant events and progress made within the park.
1820
Founding of Indianapolis. Pioneer John McCormick, one of the first settlers of Indianapolis, builds his cabin where the White River and Fall Creek come together.
Click here for more history about John McCormick.
1822
Indianapolis' first documented Fourth of July celebration in what is now known as Military Park.
Click here for more history about Military Park.
1831
The steamboat, "Robert Hanna," was the first to make it to Indianapolis using the White River. However, it runs aground on its return trip, proving the river is not navigable enough to be a major trade route.
1836
Development of the Central Canal begins. The plan is to have this canal be a trade route and commercial line for goods. However, construction stalls and only 9 miles are built from downtown Indianapolis to the nearby village of Broad Ripple.
Click here for more history about the Canal.
1852
First State Fair held at Military Park.
1861
Military Park is used as a Civil War encampment until 1865.
1870
The Pumphouse opens. The Pumphouse provides pressurized water for drinking and fire protection to the city of Indianapolis. This is especially helpful to local industry that is popping up along the riverbank.
Click here for more history about the Pumphouse.
1913
A flood devastates the area, killing 200 people. City officials hem in the river with concrete floodwalls and earthen levees.
1916
The Washington Street Bridge opens. Designed by renowned bridge designer Daniel B. Luton, it is part of the National Road. The National Road is a major thoroughfare, linking the east and west coasts of the United States.
1920's - 1950's
Factories fill the banks of the White River. Meat packing, paper mills and flour mills are just some of the industries located along the river.
1950's
City officials begin re-examining the White River and the potential for waterfront development.
1960's
Factories along Washington Street begin moving out, pushed in part by the growth of IUPUI.
1969
The Indianapolis Water Company closes the Pumphouse.
1971
The canal is dedicated as an American Water Landmark by the American Water Association.
1976
The Pumphouse and surrounding property, in excessive disrepair after being abandoned, is gifted to the City of Indianapolis.
1979
The Indiana General Assembly creates the 10-member, governor appointed White River State Park Development Commission. Several of the early obstacles facing them are the relocation of Washington Street so it would not run through the center of the Park and the land acquisition of deteriorating factories and property.
Click here for more information about the park's administrative history.
1980
The Pumphouse is accepted into the National Registry of Historic Places.
1988
The Indianapolis Zoo opens.
1989
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art opens.
1994
Washington Street Bridge renovation begins. The original exterior structure and arches are retained, but the facelift leaves a beautiful walkway between Park attractions.
1996
- Victory Field Baseball Park, home of the Indianapolis Indians, opens.
- The state completes construction on the $20 million Central Canal extension.
- The IMAX 3D Theatre, Indiana's first IMAX theatre, opens.
1999
- The Congressional Medal of Honor is dedicated and opens.
- White River Gardens opens.
- Sculpture in the Park begins.
2000
The NCAA Hall of Champions opens.
2002
The new Indiana State Museum opens.
2003
- The Beveridge Paper Site construction is complete. The Visitors Center, Lawn and Oval are opened.
- Greenspaces completed on the former Beveridge Paper site including the new Dr. Frank P. Lloyd Sr. Visitors Center, Governors Lawn and Oval.