Welcome to The Plaza
Since 2014, Fountain Square Plaza has served as a key community space along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. SEND, and the Greater Virginia Avenue Corridor, Economic Improvement District, currently maintain the fountains and plaza. Today, the Plaza continues to be a central gathering place for neighbors to commune and experience art, music, live performances, and more.
The History of Fountain Square: A Legacy of Community and Culture
Photo source: Historic Indianapolis
Fountain Square’s rich history dates back to 1888 when the first Lady Spray fountain was erected as a drinking place for locals, visitors, and horses. This iconic landmark was dismantled after 30 years due to damage.
Photo source: Encyclopedia of Indianapolis
In the early 1900s, a second fountain, the Ralph Hill Memorial Fountain, was constructed. In 1922, the City of Indianapolis Commissioned Myra Reynolds Richards to create “The Pioneer Family” sculpture, depicting a westward-advancing pioneer family. Due to traffic issues, the sculpture was temporarily moved to Garfield Park in 1954 and returned to Fountain Square in 1969.
In 2014, a formerly empty parking lot was transformed into the vibrant Fountain Square Plaza. The Plaza now features a new fountain inspired by Lady Spray and serves as a central destination for community events, art, music, and culture.
Photo source: SEND