Monument Circle, Indianapolis (must see)

This site was originally called the Governor's Circle because of its designation as the future site of the Indiana governor's residence. The Circle was a hub of community life from the town's beginning in 1821. A weekly market was held on the site from 1822 to 1824. As Indianapolis grew and developed during and after the Civil War, the area became a popular meeting place for mass gatherings, public rallies, and celebrations of wartime victories. In 1867 the site was cleaned up, fenced, and designated as the city's Circle Park.

In August 1875 George J. Langsdale, a newspaper editor of the Greencastle Banner, presented a plan for a memorial during the first reunion of Civil War veterans, which was held in Indianapolis. Construction on the monument, which began in 1888, took thirteen years to complete. The obelisk was completed in 1892, the main elements by 1894, and its final installations in 1901. In 1893 the circle was renamed Monument Place.

Today the Circle is surrounded by retail shops, studios for several local radio stations, the Hilbert Circle Theatre, home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, financial institutions, the Columbia Club - one of the oldest social clubs of Indiana, Christ Church Cathedral - a historic Episcopal church.

Monument Circle is the premier public gathering place in Indianapolis to commemorate notable events, including concerts, political demonstrations, and photo opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the sights of the Downtown area and beyond from the monument's observation level. This area can be reached by either climbing a staircase of 330 steps or taking an elevator that reaches the 290th step.

This area has a nightly light show that often changes with the seasons. All the lights used during the show feature synchronization to a theme that the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has composed for the event. This nightly light show starts at dusk and is available every night.