St. Joseph Historic Neighborhood in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
American Legion Mall
Indiana War Memorial Plaza National Historic Landmark
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 20, 2019
The American Legion, itself was the catalyst for the Indiana War Memorial Plaza. The history of this plaza is inextricably connected to the history of the American Legion. The search for the national headquarters location led to the creation of this plaza as one of the greatest national tributes to our veterans.
The same tools that General John Pershing used in laying the original Indiana War Memorial cornerstone in 1927 were used in a like ceremony on May 6, 1949 for the enlarged American Legion Headquarters. A time capsule was placed inside and contains the following: a current edition of the Indianapolis Star, other city newspapers, facsimiles of several historic documents and a history of the War Memorial, itself.
Throughout the 1990's three monuments were added to the mall to honor Indiana veterans of World War II, Korean and Vietnam Wars.
★ The Indiana World War Plaza is a direct result of the American Legion selecting Indianapolis as the site for the Legion's National Headquarters, now at the north side of American Legion Mall. Most economic development was undertaken to attract the American Legion. Indiana was recognized as a hub of major rail transportation and a true "Crossroads of America" central to all Americans.
★ The American Legion was informed in February-March of 1919, immediately following the World War. The veterans of The World War desired to honor their fallen and to associate themselves in common endeavors fo their own and the nation's good.
★ Construction on the American Legion State Headquarters began in 1925, and it was the first building constructed in the entire plaza. It was the original headquarters for the American Legion National Headquarters until it moved to a new, larger building on the Northeast corner of American Legion Mall in 1950.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Notable Buildings • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Time Capsules series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 6, 1949.
Location. 39° 46.671′ N, 86° 9.365′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in the St. Joseph Historic Neighborhood. Marker is at
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 20, 2019
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 800 North Pennsylvania Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Central Library (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lodge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Honor of Arthur St. Clair (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named American Legion Mall (about 400 feet away); The American Legion (about 500 feet away); Indiana World War II Memorial (about 600 feet away); Glencoe Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 20, 2019
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 152 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.