Benjamin Harrison Home, 1874
1230 North Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
Architect/Designer: Herman T. Brandt
DESCRIPTION:
The Benjamin Harrison Home houses 16 rooms, many of which are open to the public and have a large number of their original furnishings. The house is a two and a half story Italianate. There is a strong symmetry in the upper and lower levels, both featuring narrow windows with triangular pediments. The thick bracketing along the roof line is a defining feature that causes the Presidential Site to stand apart from other historic structures in the neighborhood. The two story porch has gained popularity in itself due to its storied preservation history. In the early 20th century the original porch was removed and replaced with a brick porch believed to be more fitting for the all brick structure. During the site’s restoration it was discovered that a wooden porch was more historically accurate and the original porch was reconstructed
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT – INCLUDING SPECIAL STATUS AND AWARDS WON:
Harrison moved to the Northside neighborhood in 1874 following his success as an Indianapolis lawyer. Due to Harrison’s known political ambitions and his strong influence in the community other high profile individuals began purchasing in the neighborhood. In 1888 Harrison began his successful “front porch” campaign, campaigning from his Indianapolis home. During the majority of his term the Benjamin Harrison Home served as the family’s primary residence and continued to be so after the presidential term ended.
DESIGNATION STATUS:
National Historic Landmark, 1964
National Register of Historic Places, 1975
National Register of Historic Places, Old North Side Historic District 1978
Style: Italianate
Owner (past/present):
Past: President Benjamin Harrison
Present: Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Materials: Brick
Additions and/or changes with date:
Late 1890s: Wooden porch added
Early 1900s: The original wood porch was replaced by a brick porch
A replica of the original wood porch replaced the brick porch some time after the 1960s. Additional interior alterations have been made over time.
Historic use/current use:
Historic Use: Residential
Current Use: Museum, event space
Is building open to the public?: Yes, daily tours available
Condition: Excellent
Website and/or sources of information:
Website: http://www.presidentbenjaminharrison.org/
Research Sources:
National Park Service. “Benjamin Harrison Home.” Accessed September 11, 2015.http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/presidents/benjamin_harrison_home.html
National Register of Historic Places, Benjamin Harrison Home, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana. 1975.
President Benjamin Harrison. “The House That Ben Built.” Accessed September 11, 2015. http://www.presidentbenjaminharrison.org/learn/discover-the-house-that-ben-built
