Mapleton - Fall Creek in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Newby Oval
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
1. Newby Oval Marker (Front)
During the bicycle craze of the 1890s, Hoosiers embraced the bike for transportation, recreation, and sport. Women, especially, gained new freedoms and independence. In 1898, Indianapolis businessman Arthur C. Newby and other cycling enthusiasts capitalized on this interest and established a quarter-mile wooden track at Central Ave. and 31st St. named Newby Oval.
Built to host the 1898 League of American Wheelmen’s annual meet, Newby Oval attracted many prominent racers, including Marshall “Major” Taylor. The electrically lighted, state-of-the-art track was one of the fastest in the U.S. The venue hosted many other athletic events. With the rise of the automobile, cycling’s popularity waned and Newby Oval was torn down in 1902.
Erected 2021 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Hoosier Antique & Classic Bicycle Club, and Friends of Newby Oval. (Marker Number 49.2021.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.
Location. 39° 48.758′ N, 86° 8.617′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Mapleton - Fall Creek.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Home of Charles Warren Fairbanks (approx. ¾ mile away); Marshall "Major" Taylor (approx. 0.9 miles away); Joseph W. Summers Memorial Bridge (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Joseph W. Summers Memorial Bridge (approx. one mile away); Prince Hall Freemasonry (approx. 1.1 miles away); St. Vincent's Hospital (approx. 1.1 miles away); Indiana State Fairgrounds Mile (approx. 1.3 miles away); North Meridian Street Historic District (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Also see . . . Newby Oval: The Track Before the Track. (Submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
2. Newby Oval Marker (Back)
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
3. Newby Oval Marker
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
4. Newby Oval Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 115 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
