Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Riley Hospital for Children
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 14, 2026
1. Riley Hospital for Children Marker (Side 1)
Prominent friends of children's poet James Whitcomb Riley agreed to open a hospital to honor him after his death in 1916. The Riley Memorial Association, formed in 1921, worked with Indiana University, the State of Indiana, and private donors to construct the hospital. Riley Hospital for Children opened in 1924 and treated nearly 40,000 children in its first decade.
The hospital quickly became a national leader in pediatric diagnosis, treatment, and surgery, with advancements in heart surgery, cochlear implants, and neonatal care. Partnering with the IU School of Medicine, Riley physicians have conducted innovative research in specialized areas such as cancer and diabetes, driver breakthroughs in children's health care.
Erected 2025 by Indiana Historical Bureau and Riley Children's Health.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
Location. 39° 46.657′ N, 86° 10.725′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is at the intersection of Barnhill Drive and Walnut Street, on the left when traveling north on
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: This Tablet Marks the Homestead of Isaac Wilson, Pioneer and Patriot. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wilson House Site (about 500 feet away); The Plague Cemetery (about 600 feet away); Emerson Hall (about 600 feet away); Dr. Amelia Keller (about 700 feet away); Robert W. Long Hospital (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ball Nurses' Sunken Garden and Convalescent Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Coleman Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 14, 2026
2. Riley Hospital for Children Marker (Side 2)
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 14, 2026
3. Riley Hospital for Children Marker
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 14, 2026
4. Riley Hospital for Children
Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 17, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
