Mile Square in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Veterans Memorial Plaza
Obelisk Square
— Indiana War Memorial Plaza National Historic Landmark —
Originally known as, "Obelisk Square", this park was completed in 1930 and is situated between the American Legion Mall and the Indiana World War Memorial. Its main feature is the Obelisk fountain. This portion of the Plaza was designed originally to serve as a venue for military parades and related civic events. Pairs of captured German artillery pieces once flanked each corner of the large open plaza.
The Obelisk fountain, which resembles the Washington Monument in the Mall in Washington, D.C., is centrally placed within the Indiana War Memorial Plaza as a symbol of hope and inspiration to the nation. This spire is one hundred feet tall and is composed entirely of black Berwick granite.
The Obelisk is placed within a magnificent two-tiered fountain which is accented with water-jets and colored lights.
★ Over the years, it was suggested that the name of Obelisk Square be changed since the general public was unaware of what an Obelisk was. When first suggested it was ignored, and when it was again suggested in 1981 the War Memorials Commission took a vote and decided not to change the name.
★ When Joseph Brand, the head of Brand Printing & Photo Litho Co. brought it up in May 1982 at the War Memorials Commissionmeeting the commissions voted to accept written suggestions for the following month's meeting.
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★ Only three letters were submitted to the War Memorials Commission. Two letters against changing the name and one supporting it. Name suggestions were then taken from the public. The new name after 60 years of Obelisk Square" became "Veteran's Memorial Plaza".
★ This block is now recognized by both names - Obelisk Square and Veterans Memorial Plaza.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1982.
Location. 39° 46.517′ N, 86° 9.376′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Mile Square. Marker is at the intersection of North Pennsylvania Street and East North Street, on the right when traveling south on North Pennsylvania Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 575 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis IN 46204, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. American Legion Mall (within shouting distance of this marker); May Wright Sewall (within shouting distance of this marker); Glencoe Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Indiana World War II Memorial (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial Plaza (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named American Legion Mall (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial Plaza (about 400 feet away); Indiana Vietnam and Korean Wars Memorial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 93 times since then and 8 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on April 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
