United States Courthouse and Post office of Indianapolis
On January 24, 2008 my husband and I had to venture to Indianapolis Court House over a legal matter that demanded our attention. And to be honest neither of us was very familiar with Indianapolis. Thought we both have visit this area from time to time in our past, we never really just stop and looked around the beauty of this massive city and what it brings to the citizens of Indy. The Court House itself was no exception.
Indiana’s first Court House and Post Office resided in 1860 at the corners of Market and Pennsylvania Street of downtown Indianapolis.
It began as a four storied building that was home to all federal agencies serving Indiana citizens. But, by the late 19th century it outgrew it residents as plans were made for the present court house that stands today.
In 1905 construction began and is an example of Beaux Art Style similar to the World’s Columbia Exposition in Chicago, 1893. Architects’ Thomas Kellogg’s and John Hall Rankin designed the Federal Building that accommodated 925 federal employees, with a U-shape structure that is four stories high, occupies and entire block and home to federal courts, executive offices and the main post office. By 1938 local architects’ McGuire and Shook were hired to expand a fifth floor “penthouse,” north end, two portals of the northeast and northwest corners for access of postal vehicles.
By the Great Depression in the 20th century, federal programs increased along with a numerous of agencies that now occupied the building. Construction was underway again, in the early 1970’s to reduce the crowd conditions in the original court house.
The First Floor is decorated with marble walls, creamed colored Tuscan Columns and glass mosaic ceilings. Two Gray Knoxville marble circular staircases with bronze balustrades run from the first floors to the third floors. Other features include Stain Glass Domes, Elevator Lobby and Main Cross Corridor that leads to the Lobby Mosaic.
Beautiful painting by W.B. Van Ingen, “Appeal to Justice and Richard B. Hausdorfer called, Industry,” along with Courtroom Murals lies upon the second and third floors of the Courthouse and offices.
Four large statue sculptures done by John Massey Rhind occupy the entrance that are named “Industry,” “Justice,” “Literature” and “Agriculture,” of this magifincent Court House.
The United States Court House is managed and owned by the United States General Services Adminstration and is open for tours to the public.
Court House Today
Though my husband and I were only able to visit some of the floors it was very impressive to look at such a beautiful landmarked building that has served the public since 1860.
Work cite:
1.) Images:
a.) Marion County Court House---http://www.davidrumsey.com
b.) Courthouse and post office--http://www.rootsweb.com
2.) Article and images----http://www.insd.uscourts.gov./Publications/USCH Vistorsguide.pdf.
Diana Lynn Robinson
This is in response to my Encounter Assignment 1 blog.
1 comment:
Thanks for sharing a glimpse of this important building in Indiana history.
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