West Central in Fort Wayne in Allen County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Edsall House
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, February 5, 2023
1. The Edsall House Marker
The Edsall House, the oldest structure in downtown Fort Wayne and the city's second hospital, was built by William S. Edsall in 1839. Edsall was a fur trader, builder, ferry operator, surveyor, sawyer and merchant, and was prominent in Fort Wayne civic affairs during the canal era. As he prospered, he built additions to the house in 1857 and in 1870. The home was frequently the site of grand "Pioneer Balls" held to honor and reunite the founders of the city.
After Edsall died in 1876, the residence was converted in 1878 into Fort Wayne's second hospital by a group led by Samuel Foster and one of Edsall's sisters, Mrs. W. C. Coombs. This hospital eventually grew to become the Parkview Medical Center.
The structure became a private home in 1887, apartments from 1907 to 1916, and the Doswell Flower Shop after 1916. In 1976, it became the pilot restoration project of ARCH, a historic preservation association, and in 1986 the Homebuilders Association of Fort Wayne renovated the interior for their offices.
Erected by The Journal-Gazette Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William S. Edsall House (a few steps from this marker); John B. Franke (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church (about 700 feet away); What Is Rotary? (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Rotary Club of Fort Wayne (approx. 0.2 miles away); Trinity English Lutheran Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Yoshino Cherry Tree (approx. 0.2 miles away); Louis Mohr Block (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Wayne.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, February 5, 2023
2. The Edsall House
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, February 5, 2023
3. National Register of Historic Places plaque for the house
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. This page has been viewed 128 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 4, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
