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
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,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
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
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
2. The American Legion Marker, Side Two
Also see . . . New Marker Shares Legion Story in 100 Words. American Legion website entry (Submitted on October 13, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
3. The American Legion Marker
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 October 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 209 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
