Lockerbie Square in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Little Sisters of the Poor
Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 20, 2018
1. Little Sisters of the Poor Marker, side one
The Little Sisters of the Poor, a Catholic religious order devoted to caring for the elderly poor, arrived in the U.S. in 1868 and quickly expanded nationally. At a time when the elderly were often ignored and unseen, the Little Sisters of the Poor provided a home. They came to Indianapolis in 1873 and established a home for the aged poor on this site soon after.
The home was open to anyone over age sixty with no means of support, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. The Little Sisters solicited alms daily to provide shelter, comfort, and basic nursing care for residents. Their dedication garnered widespread appreciation. In 1967 the home moved to 2345 West 86th Street as St. Augustine Home for the Aged.
Erected 2017 by Indiana Historical Bureau and the St. Augustine Guild. (Marker Number 40.2017.1.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 39° 46.377′ N, 86° 8.885′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Lockerbie Square. It is on East Vermont Street east of East Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 520 E Vermont St, Indianapolis IN 46202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Vincents Infirmary (within shouting distance of this marker); Lockerbie Square (within shouting distance of this marker); James Whitcomb Riley Home (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Athenaeum (about 600 feet away); The Alexandra (about 800 feet away); Rep. Roberta West Nicholson (approx. 0.3 miles away); Roberts Park United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Market Street Temple (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Also see . . .
1. Little Sisters of the Poor St. Augustine Home. Order website homepage:
In 1873, the Little Sisters were able to purchase two and a half acres of land from the Sisters of Providence. On this land, at 500 East Vermont Street, the Sisters built their first home in Indianapolis and placed it under the patronage of St. Augustine. (Submitted on December 31, 2018.)
2. Little Sisters of the Poor - Jeanne Jugan.
9½ minute video filmed and edited in 2009.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 20, 2018
2. Little Sisters of the Poor Marker, side two
Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 20, 2018
3. Little Sisters of the Poor Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 31, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 612 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 31, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
