Plus, the Indians earliest start to the season.
6AM City In-house

The history behind Indy streets

Historic street names in Indianapolis, IN
An aerial view of downtown Indianapolis and Monument Circle.
An aerial view of downtown Indianapolis and Monument Circle. | Photo via Indiana Historical Society
The city of Indianapolis was incorporated in January 1821. Now that 200+ years have passed, the city and its streets are chock-full of vibrant history.

It’s safe to say that over the years, the city has been touched by countless historical figures and happenings — many of which have shaped the names of Indy’s buildings, parks, and streets. In this guide, we’re delving into the history of the Circle City’s streets — specifically how they were named.

Mile Square

Ever noticed that a lot of the streets in the heart of downtown Indianapolis are named after other states? That’s 22 out of 50 states to be exact. It was all part of city planner Alexander Ralston’s plan.

Washington Street — This is the primary east-west street in Indianapolis and has historically been the main commercial corridor in the city. From 1885 to 1893, a transfer car stood on West Washington Street about 50 ft east of Illinois Street — where passengers would wait to change from one line to another in the center of the street.

Historical figures

As the city of Indianapolis grew beyond the original mile square, streets were named as a way to honor those who had a major impact on the city. Streets were also often named after original property owners and their families, and some were eventually renamed in an 1897 project that aimed to make street names less confusing and remove any duplicate names.

A sign reads Fletcher Place on a neighborhood intersection.

Fletcher Place is a historic district and neighborhood named after Calvin Fletcher, a prominent local banker, farmer, and state senator. | Photo by INDYtoday team


Fletcher Avenue — Fletcher Place, and the street that runs through the neighborhood of the same name, is derived from Calvin Fletcher, Sr. (1798-1866), whose farm originally encompassed most of the land in the area. Gradually, the Fletchers and their associates platted the area into individual lots, beginning in 1857.

Renamed streets

Alexander Ralston’s original plat for the town of Indianapolis included a total of 38 streets that were given the name of a state — but some have come and gone, and some never were.

Georgia Street — Although the name remains today, the campaign to change the name of Georgia Street around the $12 million transformation for the Big Ten Championship and the Super Bowl caused quite the debate, with objections from the public. Ideas for a new name included “Hospitality Boulevard” and “Championship Way.”
6 MORE HISTORIC STREETS

You have the opportunity to name a street in our city. What do you name the street after?

A. A loved one
B. My pet
C. My favorite athlete
D. Someone who’s made an impact in the community
E. Me, duh
F. Other: *WRITE IN OPTION*
NAME THAT STREET
Live Nation Indiana

Click here to have your event featured.

Friday, March 3
  • Behind the Scenes Gallery Tour: Native American Galleries | Friday, March 3 | 12 p.m. | Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Join curator Dorene Red Cloud to learn more about the three guiding themes of the museum’s new exhibition.
  • NFL Scouting Combine | Friday, March 3-Sunday, March 5 | 1-8:30 p.m. | Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Witness future football talent up close as prospective NFL athletes demonstrate their skills to scouts.
Saturday, March 4
  • Indy Winter Farmers Market | Saturday, March 4-Saturday, April 15 | 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | The AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Visit the longest-running and only winter market in downtown Indianapolis that connects farmers to community members.
Sunday, March 5
  • Wedding Show at Daniel’s Vineyard | Sunday, March 5 | 1-4 p.m. | Daniel’s Vineyard, 9061 N. 700 W., McCordsville | Free | Visit the vineyard for free facility tours, meet the industry’s best wedding vendors, plus enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and all the 2023 wedding design inspo.
Monday, March 6
  • Crossroads Air Show Volunteer Meeting | Monday, March 6 | 7-8 p.m. | Skip + Lange Innovation Center at Camp Belzer, 6102 Boy Scout Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Get involved with the Crossroads Air Show that will be flying into Indianapolis on October 28 and 29.
Wednesday, March 15
  • Corks & Forks, Presented by Kroger | Wednesday, March 15 | 7-10 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $150 | Enjoy great food, fine wine, unique cocktails, and more, all while exploring the most exclusive spaces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse — including walking on the floor where the Pacers play.*

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS
Huse Culinary

Weather
  • 52º | Rain | 100% chance of rain
Traffic
  • Heads up. Traffic will be heavily restricted on I-465 on the southwest side for two weekends this month: March 10-13 and March 17-20. The I-69 extension project will require widening and rebuilding I-465 eastbound, including a new bridge over the White River — which will move all traffic onto the current westbound lanes of I-465. 🚧 (WTHR)
Coming Soon
  • Greenfield-based gas station and market Leo’s Market & Eatery is expanding to the south side of Indy this spring. The convenience store, which will also have a drive-thru for prepared food and market items, is planned to open at at 6009 S. Emerson Ave. in early April. 🥤 (IndyStar)
Number
  • $10 million. That’s how much money the city is set to bring in for hosting its 36th consecutive NFL Scouting Combine this weekend — which is why city leaders hope that Indy will get to keep the event after 2024. Learn more about how you can experience the Combine for free. 🏈 (CBS4)
Jobs
  • The taste of warmer weather is a friendly reminder that summer is on its way, and so is the summer hiring season. Mayor Hogsett, EmployIndy, and community partners announced this year’s edition of the Project Indy summer jobs initiative, which currently has 2,700 positions available from 108 local employers. Get more information. 💼 (CBS4)
  • Do you eat, breathe, and dream about editorial content? We’re hiring a Managing Editor to support the strategic growth and development of 6AM City’s editorial team, specifically as it relates to content management, creation, and strategy. See details + apply.
Sports
  • Take me out to the ball game. The Indianapolis Indians are already getting ready to welcome fans back to Victory Field. The first home game of the season is on Friday, March 31 — the earliest start to the regular season in franchise history. Single-game tickets and packages are on sale now. ⚾ (WRTV)
Concert
Ranked
Announced
  • Comedians Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee are bringing their hit comedy podcast “Bad Friends” to Indianapolis. See the hilarious duo live on Saturday, April 15 in the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre — tickets start at $39 and are available now. 🎟️ *
Travel
  • Did you know? Going, the travel membership that saves you money on flights, offers veterans, teachers, and healthcare professionals special discounts. Get 25% off a premium membership and take that well-earned vacation with discounted flights to Spain, Mexico, Ireland, and more.*
Finance
  • Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
6AM City In-house

A new era 🤝

Iconic Slippery Noodle Inn bar gets new ownership
INDY_Slippery Noodle Inn_exterior street view_MAY2021
Hal Yeagy’s parents purchased the bar in 1963, and he took over operations in 1985 before passing away from cancer in 2020. | Photo by @sccaflagger2017
Indy’s oldest operating bar is changing hands.

Yesterday, industry veterans Jason Amonett and Sean Lothridge obtained ownership of the Slippery Noodle Inn after purchasing it from the Yeagy family — who have owned the historic bar for more than 60 years.

The bar originally opened as a roadhouse in 1850 called the Tremont House and now, the Slippery Noodle Inn resides on the National Register of Historic Places. During the Civil War, it was a station for the Underground Railroad and the Brady and Dillinger gangs even used the building in the back for target practice during Prohibition — some of the slugs are still embedded in the lower east wall.

The new owners of this landmark plan to bring more live music, add healthier menu options, and expand the spirits selections while maintaining the history of the bar and paying tribute to its previous owners.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Nicole.

Editor’s pick: I’m excited for it to be baseball season again. Going to an Indians game is a fun way to get out in the city and enjoy nice weather. And single-game tickets are only $12-$18. The first 1,000 fans (21+) through the gates on opening night will get a toboggan beanie hat.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? A guide to kid-friendly activities in Indy.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Anna Bowman, Nicole Hernandez, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Nicole Fancher | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

ADVERTISE | SHOP | CAREERS | ETHICS

Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you?
SUBSCRIBE

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY