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, cultural and environmental changes that we have experienced over the years. This timeline highlights some of the most significant events and progress made within the Park.
Founding of Indianapolis. Pioneer John McCormick, one of the first settlers of Indianapolis, builds his cabin where the White River and Fall Creek meet.
Indianapolis' first documented Fourth of July celebration in what is now known as Historic Military Park.
The steamboat, Robert Hanna, is the first to make it to Indianapolis using the White River. It runs aground on its return trip, proving the river is not navigable enough to be a major trade route.
Development of the (Historic) Central Canal begins. This waterway is planned as a trade route for commercial goods. However, construction stalls and only nine (9) miles are built from downtown Indianapolis heading north to the nearby Broad Ripple Village.
Indiana's 1st State Fair is held at (Historic) Military Park.
(Historic) Military Park is used as a Civil War encampment until 1865.
The (Historic) Pumphouse opens, providing pressurized water for drinking and fire protection to the majority of the city of Indianapolis. This is especially helpful to local industry.
A flood devastates the area, killing 200 people. City officials attempt to contain the river with concrete floodwalls and earthen levees.
The Washington Street Bridge opens. Designed by renowned bridge designer Daniel B. Luton, it is part of the National Road (U.S. 40). The National Road is a major thoroughfare, linking the east and west coasts of the United States of America.
Factories fill the banks of the White River. Meatpacking, paper mills, and flourmills are just some of the industries located along the White River.
City officials begin re-examining the White River and the potential for waterfront development.
Factories along Washington Street begin moving out, leaving in large part because of the growth of Indianapolis' new urban university — Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).
The Indianapolis Water Company closes the (Historic) Pumphouse.
The (Historic) Central Canal is dedicated as an American Water Landmark by the American Water Association.
The (Historic) Pumphouse and surrounding property, in excessive disrepair after being abandoned, is gifted to the City of Indianapolis.
The Indiana General Assembly creates the 10-member, governor appointed, White River (State) Park Development Commission. Several of the early obstacles facing them were the relocation of Washington Street — so it would not run through the center of the Park — and acquisition of deteriorating factories and property.
The Historic Pumphouse is accepted into the National Registry of Historic Places.
The Indianapolis Zoo opens at White River State Park.
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art opens at White River State Park.
The Washington Street Bridge renovation begins. The original exterior structure and arches are retained. The facelift leaves a beautiful pedestrian walkway between Park attractions on the west and the east banks of the White River.
Victory Field, home of Indianapolis Indians baseball, opens at White River State Park. The $20 million dollar (Historic) Central Canal extension is completed. The IMAX Theater, Indiana's first (and still largest), opens at White River State Park.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial is dedicated and opens at White River State Park. The Indianapolis Zoo adds a botanical garden and observatory — White River Gardens. White River State Park begins a biennial "Sculptures in the Park" program to showcase Indiana (and regional) artists. This two-year program makes art accessible and free to all visitors of the Park. The sculptures are for sale by the associated artists.
The NCAA® Hall of Champions opens at White River State Park.
The (new) Indiana State Museum opens at White River State Park.
The Beveridge Paper Company site demolition and the infrastructure to connect all of the Park’s attractions were completed. This phase included the greenspaces now called Celebration Plaza, the Oval, The Lawn, and more. The Dr. Frank P. Lloyd, Sr. Visitor's Center was completed as well. These spaces were dedicated in August of this year. The first concert at The Lawn at White River State Park was held in conjunction with the annual summer meeting of the National Governors Association. This concert featured Carrie Newscomer and Steve Wariner. Governor Frank O’Bannon died a month later, and the Commission voted to rename The Lawn as The Governor's Lawn in honor of this event.