Ever wondered how old that Victorian on your street is? Or what historic district homes have graced their neighborhoods the longest? We did some research to uncover the interesting true stories of the oldest homes in Indianapolis.
The Sanders-Childers House | 1820 | 1020 E. Palmer St.
This two-story brick farmhouse in Bates-Hendricks is the oldest house in Indianapolis. It was constructed by William Sanders and has endured several cycles of degeneration and restoration. The home was most recently sold in 2018.
The Thomas Askren House | 1833 | 6550 E. 16th St.
This two-story, Federal style brick I-house has stood at the end of a tree-lined drive since about 1833 and is believed to be the second-oldest building in Marion County. It’s even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fun fact: The term “I-house” was coined in the 1930s by folk architecture specialist Fred Kniffen because the style was commonly built in Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, all states beginning with the letter “I”.
The Governor Ray House | 1835 | 302 N. Park Ave.
This Greek Revival house has stood at three different locations since its construction by former Governor James Brown Ray. It stood at the corner of Pearl and Alabama streets until about 1897, when the site was acquired for the Marion County Jail and the house was moved to 905 St. Peter St. In 1977, the house was moved one final time to its present site in Lockerbie Square and was faithfully restored to its original glory.
There are many other houses that have also stood sentinel over Indianapolis for well over a century. Here are just a few not-quite-so-old but very notable homes you may recognize:
- The John Fitch Hill House | 1852 |1523 Southeastern Ave.
- The Bals-Wocher House | 1870 | 951 N. Delaware St.
- The Byram–Middleton House | 1870 | 1828 N. Illinois St.
- The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site | 1875 | 1230 N. Delaware St.
- The Calvin I. Fletcher House | 1895 | 1031 N. Pennsylvania St.
Know any trivia about Indy’s oldest homes? We’d love to hear.
