Midwest

Indianapolis, IN

Capital of Indiana

Known as “Circle City

Indiana Statehouse Building

Overview

Indianapolis is the capital city of Indiana, located in the Midwest region of the United States. Founded in 1821, the city has grown to a population of approximately 887,642 residents within a state of 6,732,219 people. As both the largest city and capital of Indiana, Indianapolis serves as the political, administrative, and economic center of the state.

The city is home to the Indiana Statehouse, a Neoclassical / Italian Renaissance Revival structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1888. Designed by Edwin May, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.

Indianapolis has served as the capital of Indiana since 1825. Before Indianapolis, the state's capital was located in Corydon.

Indiana Statehouse

The Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis is a limestone masterpiece featuring a distinctive copper dome with a lantern on top that is illuminated at night. The building houses all three branches of Indiana's state government under one roof, making it one of the few capitols in the nation to do so. Its interior is noted for stained glass, marble floors, and ornate Victorian-era details.

Design Inspiration

U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Year Built
1888
Architect
Edwin May
Architectural Style
Neoclassical / Italian Renaissance Revival
Dome / Tower Height
234 ft
Building Area
477,000 sq ft
National Register
Listed

Notable Features

  • Copper dome with illuminated lantern
  • Houses all three branches of state government
  • Indiana limestone exterior and marble interior
  • Grand rotunda with ornate stained glass ceiling
  • Victorian-era decorative details throughout
  • Surrounding monument circle and memorials

Media Gallery

Indiana Statehouse Building

Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.

Fun Facts & Trivia

  • The Indiana Statehouse is one of the few U.S. capitols to house all three branches of government -- executive, legislative, and judicial -- under one roof.
  • Indianapolis was specifically planned and built to be the state capital in 1821, designed by Alexander Ralston, who also helped plan Washington, D.C.
  • The city is home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the Indianapolis 500 has been held since 1911.
  • The dome's interior features a beautiful stained glass window that floods the rotunda with light.
  • Indiana's name literally means 'Land of the Indians.'
  • Indianapolis's Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the adjacent monument circle stands 284 feet tall and predates the Lincoln Memorial.