Newburgh in Warrick County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Phelps-Sargeant Block

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 25, 2022

1. Phelps-Sargeant Block Marker

Inscription. A M. Phelps, well known philanthropist-prominent citizen, built wooden super-structure as house for his family before 1837. Added brick ground-level section when Jennings St. was constructed and State St. lowered in 1857. Purchased in 1917 by his great-nephew Eugene G. Sargeant.

Erected 1975 by Women's Club of Newburgh, Indiana.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Indiana, Women's Club of Newburgh series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 37° 56.678′ N, 87° 24.312′ W. Marker is in Newburgh, Indiana, in Warrick County. Marker is at the intersection of State Street and West Jennings Street, on the right when traveling south on State Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 State St, Newburgh IN 47630, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Exchange Hotel (a few steps from this marker); DeForest-Lawhead-Freels Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Citizens Bank – Newburgh State Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); The Princess Theatre Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Abshier Ice House

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Bakery Shop Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Herscher-Litzenberger Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Rutledge House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newburgh.

Regarding Phelps-Sargeant Block. Excerpt from the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the Original Newburgh Historic District, of which the Phelps-Sargeant Block is a contributing structure:

… The difference in materials between the two stories is attributed to the construction of Jennings Street and the extension of State to the river in 1837. Before that, the building was a one-story frame dwelling for A. M. Phelps situated on a small hill. The road project meant the excavation of the basement and the construction of brick external walls along the newly exposed portions. Phelps had only arrived in Newburgh in 1830 and he spent his first few years down the street near the site of the present library. A few changes have occurred since the date of construction in the mid-1830's, principally the elimination of a smaller open gallery on the Jennings Street
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 25, 2022

2. Phelps-Sargeant Block Marker
side on the second floor, a change probably occurring in the early-20th Century.

Also see . . . Abraham M. Phelps. Besides his business success, he also built Newburgh's first church, helped found an academy in Newburgh, and donated land for the German Zion United Church of Christ. (Newburgh Museum) (Submitted on October 5, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

"Phelps Block" image. Click for full size.

via Newburgh Chandler Public Library Weldon Collection (Public Domain), 1907

3. "Phelps Block"

Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 96 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 5, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on October 6, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.