The Oldest Building In Indiana Was Once The Home Of A U.S. President

Indiana is one of those states with an awful lot of fascinating history (and I mean “an awful lot” in the best of ways); when people think about states known for their long histories, usually places like Massachusetts or any of New England will come to mind. This, however, is short-sighted; many other states in the United States have pretty long histories. Indiana’s dates back for thousands of years; long before colonizers and explorers arrived, Native American people called what is now the Hoosier State home. European settlers began arriving in the 17th century, with the first trading post constructed by the French in 1763. None of these buildings still stand (though some were deconstructed and reconstructed elsewhere), so what’s the oldest building in Indiana that’s still in much the same shape as it was long, long ago? The answer might surprise you.

Grouseland Foundation/Facebook

It's a gorgeous two-story red-brick home originally built for William Henry Harrison, also known as the ninth president of the United States.

Grouseland Foundation/Facebook

These claims do have some merit; after all, both the Capitol and the Harrison house were completed in 1804. The Harrison house, though, was started earlier (in 1802) and finished first. Therefore, we submit that this house is the REAL oldest building in the Hoosier State.

Advertisement

Grouseland Foundation/Facebook

At the time, Harrison was the oldest person to be elected president, but his tenure would not be for long. On his 32nd day in office, he would die, making his presidency the shortest in US history.

Advertisement

Related Stories

There Are More Historic Places In This Rural Indiana County Than We Can Possibly Count

Take A Stroll Through Indiana's Past At This Historic Artist's Log Cabin

The Little-Known Story Of The First-Ever Train Robbery In Indiana Is Unlike Any Other

Grouseland Foundation/Facebook

We're lucky it's here at all; it was actually saved from demolition in 1909 by a group of forward-thinking ladies known as the Daughters of the American Revolution. The building was officially named a National Historic Landmark in 1960 (and listed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1966).

Grouseland Foundation/Facebook

Tours guide you around three floors of historical delights, and they take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.

Nyttend/Wikimedia

For more information about the history of the home, William Harrison, and tours and things, be sure to check out the official Grouseland website.

What are some of your favorite historic places in Indiana? Did you realize that this is the actual oldest building in Indiana? No worries – most folks don’t (I didn’t. It’s me. I’m most folks).