A monument to one of Indiana’s early leaders needs restoration before it deteriorates beyond repair. In its present condition, the Thomas Taggart Memorial—a limestone colonnade and fountain in Indianapolis’s Riverside Park—is hardly a fitting honor to the Irish immigrant who rose to become mayor of Indianapolis, U.S. Senator, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and owner of the French Lick Springs Hotel. The Neoclassical landmark was erected in 1931, two years after Taggart’s death.

As mayor from 1895 to 1901, Taggart created the city park system, acquiring hundreds of acres along White River, as well as land for Brookside and Highland parks, among others. He believed the citizens of the increasingly industrialized city needed green space for reflection and recreation. When he left office in 1901, Taggart bought the French Lick Springs Hotel, which he made a social and political hub of national renown.

The roof of the Taggart Memorial needs replacement, the stone is falling off, and the fountain doesn't work. Taggart’s Indianapolis legacy—a parks system available to all citizens of the capital city—deserves the honor of a fountain that works and a graceful, safe colonnade. Indiana Landmarks is investigating how private funds might be raised to restore his memorial.

For more information contact:

James Fadely, Chairman

Taggart Memorial Task Force

317-733-4475, ext. 104

jfadely@universityhighschool.org

Mark Dollase

Vice President of Preservation Services, Indiana Landmarks, Indianapolis

317-639-4534, 800-450-4534

mdollase@indianalandmarks.org

Phyllis Hackett

Riverside Civic League

317-590-0647

pjhackett@hotmail.com