A Hidden Gem in Indianapolis

Greenfield, Indiana
KOA Greenfield



If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know we love finding great places to visit that aren't the usual sites.

Today we found a great gem--The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.

We've spent some time in Indianapolis in the past, so I was looking for something to see today.  When I was checking out the internet, I noticed that this historic site had wonderful reviews and now we know why.  

The house is located about a block from the interstate and parking was in front of the house on the shaded street.

We walked back to the rear building to purchase our tickets and then went around the front of the home to the entrance.  Our guide, Mike, shook our hands and introduced himself.  It was nice that no one else joined the tour.  

We've toured a lot of historic places, but none that have had such a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, guide.  


We were allowed to take photos but we were so caught up in everything that Mike was telling us, that when we left, realized we missed taking many photos.  



The house was built in 1875 and I believe Mike said at a cost of $28,000.  The home is over 10,000 square feet on three floors.  There are 16 rooms and 80% of the furnishings are originals.  You were allowed to walk through the rooms with the  exception of the front parlor because it has the original carpet.  

I must admit that other than knowing Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President, I didn't know much else about him. His great grandfather, Benjamin Harrison  V was a signer on the Declaration of Independence.  His grandfather, William Henry Harrison was the 9th President, Governor of the Indiana Territory, Congressman and Senator.  

The library was my favorite room.  He had a client that couldn't afford to pay him when he was a lawyer.  This client gave him a gorgeous hand carved bookcase, which has Benjamin's original books in it.  There was a hand carved walking stick with all of the presidents faces from Washington in 1789 to 100 years later with Harrison's portrait.  I won't spoil it for you in case you get to visit, but there is a great document that was the last one signed by Abraham Lincoln before he was assassinated.

This was his daughter's room.

 This was the original crib (left) that Benjamin slept in.  The one on the right belonged to his father.  

Benjamin Harrison was born in this bed.  

The third floor of the home was used for parties.  This desk was the original that Benjamin used when he was a lawyer.  The side piece rolls over and attaches to the desk.

There was also an exhibit of Presidential Pets.  Harrison had a goat at the White House.  Other Presidents pets were ferrets, alligators and birds.  

I loved this piece.  It is a cabinet that when opened was  exercise equipment.

Benjamin married Caroline Scott in 1853.  She was quite the artist and many of her paintings are in the home.  She was the only first lady to design the Presidential China. Speaking of China, the china cupboard also had some original pieces of Lincoln's china.  

One thing I found interesting was that he added the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th National Parks to the park system.  He also was the first President that had the first prehistoric Indian Ruin to come under federal protection in Casa Grande, Arizona.  I can't tell you how many times we've visited the Casa Grande Ruin.s (which are in Coolidge not in Casa Grande) and I never knew this fact.  

Another fact we learned is that he did not die of pneumonia.  He died from contaminated water at the White House.  


I could go on and on about all the things we learned today, along with the funny stories, but I don't want to spoil your visit if you get a chance to go.  



The capitol was close by and it was still early but both Bill and I agreed, that nothing we visited after that would come near to that experience.  We'll save it for the next time we come through the area.  

Tomorrow we are going to Plain City, Ohio for a week to visit our daughter, Misty.  She recently relocated to Columbus and we haven't seen their new to them home.

Turtle Safely........