New Albany in Floyd County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Israel House

Architecture: Italianate

— Built 1830 —

The Israel House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 25, 2021

1. The Israel House Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

During the 1840-1860 period this hotel and restaurant was the congregating place for men of commerce and industry. In addition to River Captains and their families notable visitors were: Gen. Winfield Scott, Daniel Webster, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, Wm. H. Harrison, Benj. Harrison, Zachary Taylor and many others. A huge bell called the community to every function from meals to war.

Erected by Historic New Albany, Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.

Location. 38° 16.979′ N, 85° 49.482′ W. Marker is in New Albany, Indiana, in Floyd County. Marker is on West Main Street (Indiana Route 111) west of West 1st Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is mounted at eye-level near the southwest corner of the subject building, facing West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 142 West Main Street, New Albany IN 47150, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mob Violence, 1862 (here, next to this marker); Market House (about 500 feet away, measured in

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 25, 2021

2. The Israel House Marker

Marker is mounted on the front wall, below the window and behind the horse sculpture.

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a direct line); Scribner House (about 600 feet away); Founding of New Albany (about 600 feet away); Old New Albany (about 700 feet away); Scribner High School (approx. 0.2 miles away); City-County Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); New Albany Downtown Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Albany.

Also see . . .
1. Andrew and Mary Israel and the Israel House.

During the 1840s and 1850s, steamboat captains, pilots, and engineers routinely stayed at the Israel House. Its popularity and refined accommodations led it to be called “the most aristocratic boarding house in the city.” Following Andrew Israel’s death on November 4, 1855, Mary continued to operate the Israel House.

(Submitted on March 25, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Historic Architecture in Downtown New Albany, Indiana.

The hotel remained for over forty years with different proprietors, but always used the Israel House name. According to a newspaper account of 1886, Mr. Frank Losson, a baker, purchased the building and had the elegant
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 25, 2021

3. The Israel House
limestone storefront placed on the front and converted the old hotel into a handsome business house and residence for himself. It is very probable that the Italianate cornice and window hoods were added at this time. The building has been sensitively restored to its 1886 appearance.

(Submitted on March 25, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 25, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.