The Indianapolis Union Railway Station, located in Indianapolis’ Wholesale District, was the first Union Station constructed in America.  The first station building opened on September 20, 1853 at 39 Jackson Place, operated by the Indianapolis Union Railway. A much larger station was constructed at the same location, opening in September of 1888.  Regionally, the building is significant for being the hub of an extensive passenger rail network that provided service to all parts of the Midwest and the state of Indiana. Locally, it is significant for providing a wealth of passenger and freight commerce that for a century sustained one of the state’s major wholesale districts, centered along South Meridian Street. Most significantly, Union Station helped to transform the city of Indianapolis from the outpost village it was in the 1840s into the thriving Midwestern metropolis it became in the early 20th century.

The poster design was inspired by a historic photo of Union Station taken from the elevated railroad tracks over Meridian Street.  The building still stands today, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and locally designated a historic site by the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission in 1979.  The image of Union Station serves as an iconic representation of Indianapolis’ history and pays homage to the founding and development of our city as we celebrate the Bicentennial.

Artist Information:

The Bicentennial poster was designed by Lorie Davis Parker Finch, Office Manager for the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission.

To Order an IHPC Bicentennial Poster, contact IHPC@indy.gov to arrange for pick-up or delivery.

Please note that due to COVID-19, distribution is limited to registered neighborhood organizations.

A limit of 20 posters per organization is available while supplies last.