Fishers in Hamilton County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ambassador House

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023

1. Ambassador House Marker

Inscription. The Ambassador House was built as a log structure c. 1826 by Thomas and Sarah West. Around 1895, Addison and India Harris enlarged the home and built the stone pillars and outbuilding. Addison served as U.S. Ambassador to Austria-Hungary from 1899-1901. In 1997, the home was moved here from 96th street and Allisonville Road to prevent demolition.

Erected 1988 by Hamilton County 175 Celebration Committee.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.

Location. 39° 56.453′ N, 86° 3.938′ W. Marker is in Fishers, Indiana, in Hamilton County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Eller Road and East 106th Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in Fishers Heritage Park at White River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10595 Eller Rd, Fishers IN 46038, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Conner House was never just bricks, glass and wood (approx. 3½ miles away); Indiana School for the Blind (approx. 5.3 miles away); Town of Meridian Hills

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(approx. 5.8 miles away); Fort Harrison Terminal Station (approx. 6½ miles away); Ladywood Estates (approx. 6½ miles away); Grave Robbing Scandal (approx. 6.6 miles away); a different marker also named Town of Meridian Hills (approx. 6.9 miles away); North Meridian Street Historic District (approx. 7½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fishers.

Regarding Ambassador House. Excerpt from the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the property, also known as the West-Harris House:

The West-Harris House is significant for its connection with Addison C. and India Crago Harris. The Harrises were prominent citizens in Indianapolis around the turn of the century. Mr. Harris served as minister to Austria-Hungary under President William McKinley and was a respected lawyer in Indiana. Mrs. Harris was active in the arts and social circles in Indianapolis. They purchased the farm in 1880 and used it as their summer home. The West-Harris home is the only extant Harris residence, as their primary residence on Meridian Street was torn down around 1940.

The original portion
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023

2. Ambassador House – National Register plaque
of the home was built in 1826 by Thomas and Sarah West, early settlers in Hamilton County. This early section, made of rough-hewn logs, is at least partially intact beneath the existing siding. This section is two rooms wide, one room deep. Based on other typical structures built in Indiana during this time, it was likely 2-stories high. In 1827 when Thomas West died, the property was divided among his heirs. The various parcels remained in the West family until 1871 when the home was purchased by William Hartman. During the nine years he owned the property, he purchased several sections of the original farm from West heirs and reformed much of the original farm. In 1880, Addison C. Harris purchased the farm at an auction.

Also see . . .
1. West-Harris House. National Register nomination (PDF) and photographs (separate PDF) submitted for the property, which was listed in 1999. (National Park Service) (Submitted on August 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Addison C. Harris. Wikipedia entry on the diplomat, lawyer and civic leader. (Submitted on August 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

3. India Crago Harris. Wikipedia entry on the Indianapolis art patron and civic leader. (Submitted on August 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023

3. Ambassador House Marker

Addison Clay Harris (1840-1916) image. Click for full size.

Via Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (Public Domain), circa 1877

4. Addison Clay Harris (1840-1916)

A lawyer by profession, he was a founding member of the Indianapolis Bar Association; founder and president of the Indiana Law School (predecessor to Indiana University's law college); and president of Purdue University's board of trustees.

India Crago Harris Portrait image. Click for full size.

Cecilia Beaux; Indianapolis Museum of Art via Wikidata (Public Domain), 1917

5. India Crago Harris Portrait

She was a founding member and major benefactor of the Art Association of Indianapolis, forerunner to the Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis's Herron School of Art and Design. Her philanthropic work included several children's charities. She also studied law with and assisted her husband in legal research.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.