Danville in Hendricks County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Danville’s Main Street Historic District
Photographed By Mbowyer, April 8, 2006
1. Side one of Danville’s Main Street Historic District Marker
(Side Two) Part of original 1824 Danville plat; county seat of Hendricks County, formed by Indiana General Assembly 1824. Lies west of downtown commercial area and reflects town’s growth and prosperity. Town was market center for area farmers 1820s into early 1900s. Industries developed along tracks of Indianapolis and St. Louis Railroad built 1870.
Erected 2000 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Main Street Historical Association of Danville, and Town of Danville. (Marker Number 32.2000.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Notable Buildings • Political Subdivisions • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers, and the National Register of Historic Places series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1994.
Location. 39° 45.651′ N, 86° 31.617′ W. Marker is in Danville, Indiana, in Hendricks County. Marker is on West Main Street
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Morgan-Chaille House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hendricks County (Danville, Indiana) War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Leachman-Underwood House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hendricks County Sheriff's Residence & Jail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Danville’s Carnegie Library (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.
Also see . . . Danville Profile and History. Page on the Danville Indiana Chamber of Commerce site. (Submitted on April 13, 2006.)
Photographed By Mbowyer, April 8, 2006
2. Side Two Danville’s Main Street Historic District Marker
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
3. John Shirley House (c. 1885)
John Shirley was a prosperous businessman who owned a 640-acre farm north of Danville, and a dry goods store on the courthouse square. Shirley died in 1910. His will provided $3,500 for the construction of the Danville Christian Church, constructed in 1913 at Main and Cross streets. His son, Edgar, later occupied the house.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
4. The Leachman-Underwood House (c. 1900)
The property was purchased by William W. Leachman in 1894 for $500.00. The home is believed to have been built by Mr. Leachman. When he sold the property to John E. Call in 1907, the same acreage brought $3,500.00. The family which owned the house the longest were the Underwoods. Arlando Clay Underwood, a farmer, acquired the house in 1919, and sold it in 1925. He and his second wife Carrie Weakley Underwood purchased the house in 1929. Mrs. Underwood lived in the house until her death in 1960.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
5. D.F. Roberts House (c. 1910)
Roberts and his wife Lora purchased the house in 1912. He owned a furniture and undertaking business on the west side of the square. He died in 1949. Lora Roberts died in 1952. Their descendants continued to the live in the house until 1965.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
6. Hadley-Nichols House (c. 1870)
The house was built for Judge John Hadley, a prominent local lawyer and judge. He owned a large farm near Danville, and was on the board of directors of the First National Bank of Danville. The Hadleys were related by marriage to the Nichols, who acquired the house shortly before the turn of the century. The Nichols were also a prominent local family.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
7. William and Elizabeth Merritt House (1844)
William Merritt was a very successful farmer in the area. He and his wife lived in the house until 1877, when they both passed away. Subsequent owners turned the house into apartments. The house was later restored back into a single family dwelling.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2006, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,739 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 10, 2006, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 5, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
