HERRON-MORTON PLACE TIMELINE

1821	The U.S. Government—through President James Monroe—deeded part of the land that later became Morton Place to Samuel Henderson.

1855	Area later known as ‘Morton Place’ (19th to 22nd , Talbott to Central) owned by Samuel Henderson, first mayor of Indianapolis. The area had black walnut and oak trees. The area was a favorite place for family picnics.

1859	Possession of the same area taken by the State Board of Agriculture for State Fairgrounds.

April 17, 1861	The first troops of volunteering Union Soldiers arrived at “Camp Morton”

May 1861	An estimated 7,000 men encamped at Camp Morton

February 1862	Camp Morton taken over by the Federal Government for use as a prison camp. Camp Morton was the third largest of eight camps, where non-commissioned officers and privates were sent. 3,700 prisoners were quartered here.

September 27-October 2, 1869	17th State Fair

October 2-7, 1871	19th State Fair

September 10 - October 10, 1873	21st Annual Exhibition and State Fair. Introduction of the Exposition Building at 19th and Alabama Streets, designed by Edwin May, architect of the Indiana State Capitol Building.

September 7, 1874	Continuing for 30 days- 22nd State Fair

September 25- October 18, 1876	24th State Fair

September 30 - October 5, 1878	26th State Fair

1885	Talbott Avenue first appears in City Directory, located “from Seventh (16th) to Exposition grounds (19th) first east of Penn.”

September 17 - 22, 1888	State Fair

September 22 - 27 1890	State Fair

December 23, 1891	The Board of Public works approved the plat of Morton Place—from 19th to 22nd, both sides of Delaware, Alabama and New Jersey streets and the west side of Central Avenue.

1898	According to the Sanborn map, Morton Place had 37 residences on Delaware Street, 47 on Alabama Street, 39 on New Jersey Street and 19 on Central Avenue.

January 12, 1900	The Board of Directors of the Indianapolis Art Association votes to purchase the “Talbott property” on Sixteenth Street between Pennsylvania and Talbott Avenue.

March 4, 1902	Reception and first view of the John Herron Art Institute

November 21, 1905	Cornerstone of the new main Herron building—designed by Vonnegut & Bohn—is placed

October 1906	Herron Art School classes start their 5th year in the little studio adjoining the nearly completed main structure

May 31, 1916	Teachers and pupils of School 45 unveil a stone, erected in honor of Camp Morton in the esplanade at 19th and Alabama

March 12, 1925	Announcement made regarding the widening of Delaware Street and removal of the esplanade in Morton Place

1926	Theater introduced at 1847 N. Alabama Street

September 1927	Classroom/studio building added to Herron campus (north of the main building) dedicated by Evans Woollen

1937	16th Street widened from Delaware Street to Central Avenue

August 20, 1951	Pennsylvania and Delaware Streets became one-way streets

1962	The Fesler Hall building added to Herron campus, designed by Evans Woolen, III

1970	The 15th annual ‘Talbot Street Art Fair’ moves into the Herron-Morton Place neighborhood

1976	Herron Morton Place Association founded

November 1977	Kathy Schouten introduces the Herron-Morton neighborhood newsletter

1983	Herron-Morton Place listed on the Register of Historic Places

1986	Herron Morton Place becomes a Historic Conservation District

April 2005	Indianapolis Star announces a $1.5 million price tag for former Herron campus.

June 2005	50th Anniversary of ‘Talbot Street Art Fair’