City of Richmond Parks Dept.
765.983.7276
Although an oxen team could pull a family's conestoga wagon
about 15 miles in a day's journey in 1840, a modern hybrid car today
could easily take a family from Richmond to Indianapolis within an hour
and a half in non-stop driving along the Historic National Road
today. Yet while driving this section of the Road, a byway
traveler will pass through a number of Pike Towns that were established
in the 19th century a day's journey apart. These towns and sites
such as the Huddleston Farmhouse Museum provide a slice of life along
the pioneer road, while stories of a later time are revealed at places
like the Richmond Gorge known as the cradle of recorded jazz where
Louis Armstrong and Hoagy Carmichael first recorded, and at the art
decco Weil Theater in Greenfield, which was beautifully preserved and
restored in 2006. A
keen eye will find the two remaining original mile markers on the north
side of the road on either side of Centerville!
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| The
Madonna of the Trail, Richmond |
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| This
18 foot tall monument located in Richmond's Glen Miller Park is a
tribute to the early pioneers who trekked westward from the Atlantic to
the Pacific. One of only 12 such statues in the U.S. - from Cumberland,
Maryland to Upland, California - it was dedicated in 1928 by the
Daughters of the American Revolution. |
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| The
Madonna of the Trail: City of Richmond Parks Dept. 765.983.7276 |
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| Whitewater River Gorge, Richmond |  |
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| The first bridge constructed along the Historic National Road in Indiana spanned the Whitewater River Gorge. Built in the 1830s, the original covered bridge allowed travelers to safely cross the Whitewater River on their journey west. | ||
| Whitewater
River Gorge: City of Richmond Parks Dept. 765.983.7276 |
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| Later,
the gorge would play a significant role in music history as the home to
the Starr/Gennet record company — giving Richmond the title “cradle of
recorded jazz.” Today, visitors to the gorge can enjoy miles of hiking
and biking on two multi-recreational trails. Geology buffs will enjoy
the abundant fossils found throughout the gorge, some dating back more
than 450 million years. |
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| Lantz House Inn, Centerville |
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| During the 1849 California Gold Rush more than 150,000 wagons passed through Centerville with many stopping here. Owned by wagon maker Daniel Lantz the shop was equipped to build and repair wagons. Today, it has been beautifully transformed into a quaint bed and breakfast in the heart of Antique Alley. | ||
| Lantz
House Inn: 214 W Main St, Centerville 765.855.2936 |
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| Historic
Mile Markers, Richmond and Centerville |
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| Two
of the original Historic National Road mile markers can still be found
today along U.S. 40 from Richmond to Centerville. These small stone
markers informed travelers how far they were from the state line as
well as the nearest towns. Both markers are on private property, but
they can be viewed from the road. |
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| Historic
Mile Markers: Marker 1: 5382 US 40, Centerville Marker 2: 9392 US 40, Centerville PRIVATE PROPERTY |
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| Historic Centerville |
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| When
construction of the Historic National Road began, Centerville was the
only community besides Indianapolis between Richmond and Terre Haute.
With as many as 100 wagons a day passing through this pike town, it was
an important destination for travelers making the trek west. Today,
Centerville retains its historic charm with its rare 19th century row
houses with archways, charming inns and intriguing antique and
specialty shops. |
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| Huddleston Farm House Inn Museum, Cambridge City |
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| Weary travelers making the difficult journey westward on the National Road in the mid 19th century stopped at the Huddleston farm for meals, provisions, shelter and feed and rest for their horses. Completed in 1841, this 22-acre farmstead has been beautifully restored by Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana as a museum showcasing early commerce along the road. This site is also home to the Indiana National Road Association. | ||
| Huddleston
Farmhouse Inn Museum: 838 National Road, Mt. Auburn Hours: Wed-Sat. 10-4 765.478.3172 www.historiclandmarks.org huddleston@historiclandmarks.org |
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| Trump’s Texaco Museum, Knightstown |
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| This
one of a kind building stands as a monument to the roadside service
stations that dotted the National Road’s landscape during the first
decades of auto travel. Unfortunately the owner recently took down the vintage advertisements, memorabilia, and antique gas pumps out front. Maybe one day with the Indiana National Road Association's assistance, this "must-see" attraction will return with its unique one of a kind memorabilia. |
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| Original
Road Section |
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| Follow the signs between Raysville and Dunreith in Henry County to turn off U.S. 40 and travel along part of the original National Road through Indiana. You’ll notice that it’s not as straight as U.S. 40. The original road had to curve and wind around the natural terrain. When U.S. 40 was constructed in the early 20th century, the road was straightened to make travel easier. Many of the original road sections were bypassed, but this section remains to this day. | ||
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| Courthouse Square, National Register Historic District, Greenfield |
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| Located just east of Indianapolis along the Historic National Road, Greenfield is the last pike town travelers pass through before reaching the state capital. Because of its proximity to Indianapolis, Greenfield marks the shift from rural to urban environment in eastern Indiana. Its monumental county courthouse is the focus of a traditional town square filled with unique shops and historic architecture. | ||
| Courthouse
Square National Register Historic District: Greenfield Historic Landmarks 317.462.1525. |
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| James Whitcomb Riley Old Home & Museum, Greenfield |
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| The birthplace and home of one of Indiana’s most famous sons — James Whitcomb Riley, the “Hoosier Poet” — sits along the National Road in Greenfield. Tours of the historic home are offered April through November, and the adjacent museum displays memorabilia and artifacts from the poet’s life. Every October, Greenfield holds the annual “Riley Days Festival” to celebrate the poet’s birthday. | ||
| James
Whitcomb Riley Old Home & Museum: 250 W Main St, Greenfield Hours: Mon-Sat, 10-4 (April through November) 317.462.8539 during open dates or 317.477.4340 any other time. www.greenfieldin.org |
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| Additional
Points of Interest |
| Following
are additional sites of interest along your journey on the Historic
National Road in Indiana. Some are on the Historic National Road.
Others are near the road, but still worth a visit. KEY RICHMOND **Earlham
College/Joseph Moore Museum *East
Germantown Historic District *East
Main Street-Glen Miller Park Historic District **Glen
Miller Park **Hayes
Arboretum *Mansion
House *Morton
House *Pennsylvania
Depot Railroad NR District ***Richmond
Art Museum *Richmond
Gas Company Building **Starr-Gennett
Recording Studios **Wayne
County Courthouse CENTERVILLE **Salisbury
Courthouse **Cope
Environmental Center **Dougherty
Orchard **Museum
of Overbeck Art Pottery **Vinton
House LEWISVILLE ***Guyer
Opera House *Houston
Brick Building KNIGHTSTOWN **CKS
Railroad *Knightstown
Spring Rest Park |