A visit to downtown Indianapolis is incomplete without a stroll down the Monument Circle. This historic landmark encloses the famous Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, which pays homage to the heroes of the American Revolution. This site is also home to a wide range of cultural and local events held by the city. Attend the Marsh Cookout on the Circle, where you can expect good food for a good cause. Call the Visitors Bureau for more details on current and upcoming events.
The Indiana World War Memorial Plaza is a solemn structure built to immortalize the soldiers who fought in World War I. The memorial was originally conceived in 1919, with the hopes of luring the American Legion to make their headquarters there. Despite the cornerstone having been laid, some parts of the memorial plaza were not completed until 1960. The centerpiece of the plaza is the memorial building itself, standing at a height of 210 feet (64 meters). This building draws inspiration from the ancient Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, residing in present-day Turkey. Ornamented on all sides by pleasant bushes, rolling lawns, stunning statues, and a fountain, the memorial is home to a museum, auditorium and the Shrine Room. Proclaimed a National Historic Landmark, the Indiana World War Memorial is a stirring locus of American history and a deep sense of architectural excellence.
Established in 1864, Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery is set in an expansive space and is the final resting place of many notable personalities, from Caroline Harrison to Etheridge Knight. Famous poets, senators, governors, artists have all found a place at this funeral home. To commemorate the legacies of these famous personalities, Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery organizes tours to enlighten both locals and tourists about their achievements and stories. Both private and public tours are conducted with varied themes. The Heritage Tour being the most popular among locals and tourists. Other tours include African Americans, Women of Crown Hill and Actors, Artists, Architects & Musicians. They also have a specialized tours for photographers. If you are interested to know the histories of iconic celebrities, visit their graves and pay respect, head to Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery and get ready to be amazed by their stories.