Since the invention of the camera, Indianapolis residents have been taking beautiful photos of the city’s architecture, wildlife, and historic events. We’ve tracked down some of the oldest known photographs of Indy. Take a look at them below.
- Eli Lilly, 1876
Eli Lilly & Co./Wikipedia CC One of the biggest pharmaceutical companies started, and remains, in Indianapolis.
- Corydon Old West Bridge, 1889
WikiWand A heavily traveled bridge in Corydon, Indiana.
- Monument Circle, 1907
Detroit Photography Company/Wikipedia CC Monument Circle was as awe-inspiring a hundred years ago as it is today.
- Downtown Indianapolis, 1907
Source Unknown/Wikipedia CC Downtown Indy has changed a lot over the past century!
- Furniture Factory Workers, 1908
Lewis Hine/Wikipedia CC A group of hard-working furniture factory employees on break.
- Indiana Glass Works factory around 9 P.M., 1908
U.S. National Archives/Flickr These employees were hard at work late into the night.
- Greel’s Shoe Shine Parlor, 1908
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration/Wikipedia CC A young teenager was said to have shined shoes at this parlor until 11 P.M. on many nights.
- Local Newsboy, 1908
Lewis Hine/Wikipedia CC A very young newsboy working early on a weekday morning.
- A rural home in Indianapolis, 1910
Indianapolis Public Library/Wikipedia CC A lovely home in early 20th century Indianapolis.
- Indianapolis 500, 1912
Bain News Service/Wikipedia CC The popular car race has been an important part of Indianapolis for over 100 years!
- Christ Church Cathedral, 1932
Library of Congress/Wikipedia CC Built in 1857, the Christ Church Cathedral remains an iconic part of the city.
It’s wonderful to see the early days of this city. If you have any cool historic photos of Indianapolis, let us know and share them in the comments below!
Eli Lilly & Co./Wikipedia CC
One of the biggest pharmaceutical companies started, and remains, in Indianapolis.
WikiWand
A heavily traveled bridge in Corydon, Indiana.
Detroit Photography Company/Wikipedia CC
Monument Circle was as awe-inspiring a hundred years ago as it is today.
Source Unknown/Wikipedia CC
Downtown Indy has changed a lot over the past century!
Lewis Hine/Wikipedia CC
A group of hard-working furniture factory employees on break.
U.S. National Archives/Flickr
These employees were hard at work late into the night.
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration/Wikipedia CC
A young teenager was said to have shined shoes at this parlor until 11 P.M. on many nights.
A very young newsboy working early on a weekday morning.
Indianapolis Public Library/Wikipedia CC
A lovely home in early 20th century Indianapolis.
Bain News Service/Wikipedia CC
The popular car race has been an important part of Indianapolis for over 100 years!
Library of Congress/Wikipedia CC
Built in 1857, the Christ Church Cathedral remains an iconic part of the city.
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