Downtown in Lafayette in Tippecanoe County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Eli Lilly

1838 - 1898

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 13, 2026

1. Eli Lilly Marker

Inscription. In the spring of 1854 young Eli Lilly began a five year apprenticeship with Henry Lawrence, proprietor of the Good Samaritan Drug Store, at this location. While in Lafayette, Eli became a second sergeant in "The Lafayette Guards". He returned to his home in Greencastle, Indiana, in 1860. On May 10, 1876, Eli Lilly opened a small drug manufacturing business in downtown Indianapolis.

Erected by Eli Lilly Co.; The Tippecanoe County Historical Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is May 10, 1876.

Location. 40° 25.154′ N, 86° 53.635′ W. Marker is in Lafayette, Indiana, in Tippecanoe County. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of Main Street and North 3rd Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 312 Main Street, Lafayette IN 47901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: To Commemorate The Wabash and Erie Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tippecanoe County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); General Lafayette - Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); 1825 Lafayette 1925 (within shouting distance of this marker); Tippecanoe County Established (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Constitution Oak

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(about 300 feet away); Tree of Hope (about 300 feet away); Big Four Depot (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lafayette.

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 13, 2026

2. Eli Lilly Marker

David E. Ross Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 13, 2026

3. David E. Ross Building

Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 19 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 21, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.