Walking Tour #2 Fort Benjamin Harrison
The Northeast Base
From the YMCA
2.25 miles round trip 4000 to 6000 steps
Brief History
Built from 1906 to 1908 the base is named after Indianapolis’ own President Benjamin Harrison. It was created during the term of President Theodore Roosevelt and part of his policy to “speak quietly and carry a big stick”. The original streets were all named after Spanish-American War soldiers. Later Streets were named after soldiers from other conflicts.
The Tour
Starting from the YMCA go east to Lee Road. The YMCA is housed in a remodeled Army fitness facility. Before the base closure Army physical trainers studied here. The indoor pool was added when Indianapolis hosted the Pan Am games and Ft Harrison was the athlete’s village. An interesting fact is that the army built the pool just inches short of regulation size so they would not have to host swim meets.
Turn north (left) on Lee Road.
Lee Road is named after Fizhugh Lee, who fought in both the American Civil War (On the Southern side), and the Spanish American War. Lee was the nephew of famous Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Across the street from the YMCA a practice running track was installed for the Pan Am games. It was the same surface as on the downtown track & field stadium. This track had to be razed to make way for development, and tax base.
As you walk, imagine four modern dorms being on your left. These like the running track had no function in a post Army world and were razed. They were the newest buildings and the first demolition project of the new Fort Harrison Reuse Authority.
Upon reaching 59th Street, cross the road and proceed west on the sidewalk.
59th Street was known as Shafter Road during the Army years. Shafter Road was named after William R. Shafter who was Commanding General of all forces in Cuba. Proceed westerly and you will approach the in-ground water treatment facility. I bet you never noticed that before. The in place infrastructure was a real asset to the redevelopment of the base. The building just to the west of the water storage tank is a new pump house built to the new development standards to look like an “old” building. It actually contains pumps.
Across the street is the 300,000 square feet Roosevelt Building. It was originally the home of many Army schools such as accounting, law, and radio/TV communications. The Reuse Authority when it bought the Fort tried to exclude this building from the purchase because of its huge demolition cost, and operating expenses. The Army said no. The building is now the home to Ivy Tech Community College.
Continuing westward you will pass a cinder track, paved path to the golf course, and the driving entrance to the golf course. The buildings across the street were numbered 401 & 402 during the army days. The building to the west of Ivy Tech is now an office building with the recruiting commands for all the branches of the armed forces.
Proceed to Wood Road and go north.
In 1911 the Fort was almost closed and General Leonard Wood announced the Fort would be saved. The Street was named in appreciation. Yes, Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri is also named after him. Going north down Wood Road you will pass 4 bed and breakfast facilities.
The Colonel Greene facility is named after Henry Greene who was commander of the 10th Infantry, the first troops to occupy Ft Harrison. The Colonel Glenn facility is named after Edwin F. Glenn known as Strenuous Glenn for his tireless manner in the Spanish American War. The Colonel Root facility is named after Edwin A. Root who commanded the Fort during WW1. The Colonel Thomas facility is probably named after Private William Thomas who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor and lost his life fighting the Japanese in WWII. He served in the Indiana National Guard and the Fort’s dining hall was named after him. It has since been demolished.
After the bed and breakfast facilities turn left (west) and walk to the limestone building.
This building is actually an original and an addition. The original building is now the State Park’s restaurant. It was the Fort’s officer club and was built during WWII by German and Italian prisoners of war. There is a story that the German prisoners tried to arrange the roof shingles in such a way as to show a swastika. The addition to the left is a new golf headquarters for the Fort Harrison State Park golf course. In 2001 it was voted one of the best public courses in America.
Turn around and retrace your steps to Wood Road and proceed south to Shafter Road and turn right (west).
On your right is Harrison House another facility that can be rented. It was the temporary home of the Governor during Frank O’Bannon’s term.
Go to Post Road and turn left (south) staying on the east side of the street.
When the Fort was open Post Road was named Greene Ave after Colonel Henry Greene the first commander to occupy the Fort. On your left is the new City of Lawrence Building built to blend into the “old” architecture of the Fort.
Proceeding south you will pass three buildings that were married soldier housing, but are now office buildings. Across the street is the Kendall Inn, which today is a boutique bed and breakfast. This building was the last headquarters of the Fort, and was originally a hospital. It was originally built to cure the gas victims from Europe in WWI.
Turn left (east) after the sign Harrison Quarters and the sign across the street First Republic.
Carefully walk in the road to sidewalk that leads behind closest office. Cut through parking lot over small dirt area to old drive leading to Biritz Road. Biritz is named after Private. Louis Birtz who was the first soldier killed in WWI that trained at Fort Harrison.
Turn left (north) on Birtz Road to Rising Street, (The origin of Rising is lost).
Turn right (east) and continue past Wheeler Road.
Wheeler Road is named after Fighting Joe Wheeler Confederate cavalryman, and hero of the Spanish American War.
Continue east behind Ivy Tech on Rising Street to Lee Road.
Turn right (south). and proceed to the YMCA your place of beginning.
|