These 10 Towns in Indiana Have Beautiful Architecture
Indiana is a state with a rich history. First integrated into the Union in 1816 as the 19th state, it is one of the earliest states outside of the original 13 colonies. As a result, the Hoosier State is filled with historic architecture ranging from majestic 19th-century mansions to quaint but still beautiful cottages and cabins. For travelers in the Midwest, Indiana is a great spot to visit to see beautiful architecture. Learn more about ten small towns in Indiana where you can see this architecture firsthand.
Corydon
As the original capital of Indiana, prior to the capital moving to Indianapolis, the southern Indiana town of Corydon has a deep history. The downtown area of Corydon is filled with historic buildings such as Indiana's First State Office Building, constructed in 1817 and utilized during Corydon's time as state capital until 1825.
Other sites include the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, constructed in the two-story federal style, Governor Hendrick's Headquarters, and a sandstone monument under which the trunk of the Constitutional Elm sits. Indiana delegates met under this tree in 1816 to draft Indiana's first state constitution.
Madison
When looking for spots to explore architecture in Indiana, Madison is a treasure trove. This beautiful Indiana small town of just over 12,200 people has 133 historic blocks along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. There are eight house museums in town, and the most famous one is the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, built in 1844 in the Greek Revival style.
Madison prides itself on its variety of historic houses, such as Dr. William Hutchings' Office & Museum, a 19th-century two-story medical building, the Historic Eleutherian College founded by Neil Creek's Anti-Slavery Society in 1848, and the Madison Railroad Station with a two-story octagonal waiting room. There is plenty to see and explore in this idyllic Indiana town.
Nashville
Nicknamed the Little Smokies for its similar appearance to the Smokey Mountains, Nashville is a charming Indiana city with intriguing architecture hidden away in unusual places. One of the most interesting spots is Story Inn, an 1851 inn built by Dr. George Inn. Today, the inn is surrounded by the Brown County State Park and is known as the world's most inconvenient inn.
By visiting the Brown County History Center, you can step into an 1879 log jail, along with a blacksmith shop and a doctor's office. Lastly, make sure to visit artist Theodore Clement Steele's home located in the beautiful woodlands of Brown County.
Goshen
Located on the Northern border of Indiana, Goshen was founded in 1831, earning its name for the city in Egypt where Exodus records the Israelites living. Today, this city of just over 34,000 people keeps its history alive through the Goshen Historical Society and its many historic buildings. In the commercial district, the Elkhart County Court House awes visitors with its Italian Renaissance style, clock tower, and Neptune fountain.
The rest of the town has many other sites ranging from The Baker-Hawks Log House, The Queen Anne style Harris-Penrod House, and the Rowell-Champion House built in the Greek Revival style.
Vincennes
Vincennes is by far the oldest city in Indiana. It was founded in 1732 by French military officer Francois Marie Bissot-Sieur de Vincennes. Although later lost to the British in the French and Indian War, this town maintains its old French spirit with The French House. This French Creole-style house was built in 1809 by Michel Brouillet and features upright posts fitted into a horizontal sill beam as opposed to the log cabin style.
Vincennes also hosts the Original Territory Capitol Building, the oldest government building in the Midwest, known as the Red House for its color. While you are in Vincennes, consider also visiting the Elihu Stout Print Shop and the Jefferson Academy, the first such school in Indiana.
New Harmony
New Harmony was home to two utopian communities, the Harmony Society in 1814 and later Robert Owen's Community of Equality in 1825. The echoes of those communities can be felt today in New Harmony with the buildings left behind. One such house is the David Lenz House and Garden, a single-frame house built by a Harmonist.
Other buildings in town have seen multiple uses, such as the New Harmony Thralls Opera House, initially built as a dormitory for the Harmonists but later converted into a Victorian theater. There are many other spots you can check out, such as the Rapp-Owen Granary and the Fauntleroy Home, by taking a guided tour through the community.
New Albany
Founded in 1813 on the Ohio River by brothers Joel, Nathaniel, and Abner Scribner, New Albany is one of the oldest communities in Indiana. For mansion lovers, New Albany is a must-visit as the mansion row section of its downtown area features one of the best in the state: The Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, built in the late 1800s in the Second French Imperial Style. Another mansion in the area, The Pepin Mansion, now doubles as a bed and breakfast for a neat experience.
One unique spot in the town is the Town Clock Church, which offers tours of its crawl space that was used for runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. New Albany is also home to the Division Street School, built in 1884 to educate the town's African American children.
Aurora
Named after the Roman goddess, Aurora was incorporated in 1845 on the Ohio River. Today this quaint town with a population of just under 3,500 people contains a true hidden treasure: one of the best mansions in the entire state: The Hillforest Mansion. Built in the 1850s, this Italian Renaissance-style mansion offers a taste of Old World designs. The oldest structure in Aurora is the City of Spires Museum, formally a church, it gains its name from its large central tower.
Other spots to see around town include the East Laughery Creek Road Phantom Bridge and the Veraestau State Historic Site.
Ferdinand
Named after the Austrian Emperor Ferdinand I, this village was first founded by Reverend Joseph Kundek in 1840 as a center for German Catholics in Indiana. This German heritage can be seen on full display in the many idyllic buildings in this small town of just over 2,100 residents. The best spot is the Monastery Immaculate Concept, the home of the Sisters of Saint Benedict, which features an incredible dome.
By taking a walking tour of the town, you will see many structures as well, such as St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, constructed in 1848, Eiberg House, built in 1870, and the Goepferich House, which some argue is older than the village itself.
French Lick
No list of the best Indiana architecture would be complete without mentioning French Lick. West Baden Springs Hotel is a majestic site to behold, with a dome and atrium spanning 200 feet, along with towers. You don't have to check into the hotel to see it, as it offers tours of the historic grounds. The other hotel in the area, French Lick Springs Hotel, is another scenic spot, with history going back to 1845.
There is more to see in the town than just hotels, such as the Orange County Courthouse, built in the Greek Revival style, and the Historic Lindley House, built in the mid-1850s in nearby Paoli.
Indiana has been the home of many different communities ranging from French settlers to German Catholics and utopian towns, and they all left their mark on the architecture of the area. Whether you are looking for Renaissance-style government buildings, Victorian mansions, log cabins, or beautiful cathedrals, Indiana has something for you. For architecture enthusiasts in the Midwest, Indiana will never disappoint.
