Wholesale District in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
South Meridian Street
Indianapolis
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 20, 2019
The people in the carriages were surrounded by wholesalers selling china, glass, cigars, toys, hats, liquor, hardware and groceries.
Founded in the 1860s by business leader Henry Schnull, who immigrated from Germany, the thriving Wholesale District linked the railroad freight terminals and Union Station with the city's retail hub at Meridian and Washington streets.
The overhead cables you see in the photograph are for streetcars. A crate in front of Hollweg & Reese was shipped from Germany. The street light shown here inspired the 1995 re-creations you can see today along the street.
The facades of the House of Crane cigar wholesaler, Schnull-Rothschild and Malott buildings still grace the streetscape. The facades were recycled and integrated into Circle Centre, as was the cast-iron facade of the Vajen's Exchange Block (now immediately north of the Malott), which was dismantled in 1980 from elsewhere in downtown, saved and re-erected.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 39° 45.86′ N, 86° 9.483′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in the Wholesale District. Marker is at the intersection of South Meridian Street and East Georgia Street, on the right when traveling west on South Meridian Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Indianapolis IN 46225, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hibben, Hollweg & Company Building (here, next to this marker); Madame C.J. Walker (a few steps from this marker); McKee Building (within shouting distance of this marker); President Abraham Lincoln (within shouting distance of this marker); Ernest "Ernie" Pyle (within shouting distance of this marker); The House of Crane (within shouting distance of this marker); Lew Wallace (within shouting distance of this marker); John W. Murphy Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 20, 2019
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 178 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.