1908 Military Park Fountain Indianapolis Indiana

A rare antique postcard of the historic Military Park Fountain in Indianapolis, Indiana. Military Park is now called White River State Park.

June 12, 1908. Military Park, originally called Military Ground, is the oldest park in Indianapolis, Indiana. The first celebration of Independence Day in the city occurred there on July 4, 1822. Militia training for the Black Hawk War occurred there in 1836. The first Indiana State Fair was held at the park in October 1852.

During the Civil War, Union soldiers were encamped at the park. The first designated camp for the Federal Army in Marion County, Indiana, the grounds were severely damaged due to the many troops participating in its use.

Local resident George Merritt was a Quaker and served in a medical support role during the war. He was deeply impacted by the wounded and carnage he witnessed during that time. Following the war, Merritt improved the grounds in honor of all who served. He had a fountain installed and a small pool with a rock foundation of considerable size. Relics from the war and playground equipment were also added. This antique postcard shows us that historic fountain.

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