Downtown in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The American Legion

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023

1. The American Legion Marker, Side One

Inscription. The American Legion, chartered by Congress in 1919, became the largest organization advocating for U.S. veterans. It established national headquarters in Indianapolis and dedicated the building here in 1925. In the wake of WWI and amid concerns about internationalism and communism, The American Legion promoted military preparedness and “100 percent Americanism.”

A powerful lobbying group, The American Legion and its Auxiliary influenced legislation to enact the U.S. Flag Code, Veterans Administration, and the landmark G.I. Bill. It offered youth programs like American Legion Baseball. Headquarters moved across the plaza in 1950, as men and women of the Legion continued work for the rehabilitation and readjustment of veterans.

Erected 2020 by Indiana Historical Bureau • The American Legion National Headquarters • Indiana War Memorials Commission. (Marker Number 49.2020.1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Military. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.

Location. 39° 46.637′ N, 86° 9.454′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in

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Downtown. Marker is on North Meridian Street south of St. Clair Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is in front of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs building in American Legion Mall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 777 N Meridian St, Indianapolis IN 46204, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Benjamin Franklin (within shouting distance of this marker); American Legion Mall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Susan B. Anthony (about 300 feet away); Central Library (about 400 feet away); Mark Twain (about 400 feet away); Scottish Rite Cathedral (about 400 feet away); Thomas Edison (about 400 feet away); Indiana Vietnam and Korean Wars Memorial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.

Also see . . . Historical marker honors American Legion’s first national HQ. The marker was unveiled in front of the rebuilt original permanent national headquarters of The American Legion, which has been transformed into a high-tech “one-stop shop” to provide multiple services for Hoosier veterans and their families. (Jeff Stoffer, The American Legion, Oct. 6, 2021) (Submitted on August 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

The American Legion Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023

2. The American Legion Marker, Side Two

The American Legion Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023

3. The American Legion Marker

777 North Meridian Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023

4. 777 North Meridian Street

The building served as the Legion's first permanent national headquarters from 1925 until 1950.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 54 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.