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

Indiana Avenue

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, June 15, 2016

1. Indiana Avenue Marker

north side of two sided marker

Inscription. African Americans, by the 1890s, had established a vibrant social, commercial, and economic community along Indiana Avenue. Black entertainers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and working people developed the Avenue into a thriving, widely-known neighborhood of theaters, jazz clubs, stores, offices, and residences.

Erected 1994 by Indiana Historical Bureau with support from individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving the heritage of Indiana Avenue. (Marker Number 49.1994.2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list.

Location. 39° 46.516′ N, 86° 9.988′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Mile Square. It is at the intersection of Indiana Avenue and N. West Street, on the right when traveling north on Indiana Avenue. Marker is located at the SE corner on the traffic island, West Street & Indiana Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Indianapolis IN 46202, 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 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: Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library (within shouting

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distance of this marker); James Overall (within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Madame C.J. Walker Timeline (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Madam C.J. Walker Building (about 500 feet away); Madam C.J. Walker (about 500 feet away); Sigma Theta Tau International (about 500 feet away); Black Lives Matter Mural (about 500 feet away); USS Indianapolis CA-35 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, June 15, 2016

2. Indiana Avenue Marker

south side of two sided marker

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, June 15, 2016

3. Indiana Avenue Marker

looking southeast toward downtown along Indiana Avenue

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, June 15, 2016

4. Indiana Avenue Marker

looking northwest along Indiana Avenue

The Walker Theatre at Indiana Ave and West Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 20, 2018

5. The Walker Theatre at Indiana Ave and West Street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2016, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 595 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 17, 2016, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. 5. submitted on December 30, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.