Old Jeffersonville Historic District

The Old Jeffersonville Historic District in Jeffersonville, Indiana, is a treasure trove of architectural charm and historical significance. Encompassing the original boundaries of Jeffersonville, this district is the beating heart of the modern-day downtown area. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983, it offers a delightful journey through time, with its 203 acres housing 500 buildings, six structures, and eleven objects of historical interest.

A Stroll Through History

The story of Jeffersonville begins just above the Falls of the Ohio, the only natural barrier along the entire length of the Ohio River. Established in 1786, the settlement's prime location above the falls made it a bustling harbor town. By June 1802, Lieutenant Isaac Bowman had been awarded 150 acres of land here for his service in the American Revolutionary War, marking the beginnings of what would become Jeffersonville.

Originally, the town was laid out with three streets parallel to the river: Water Street (now gone), Front Street (now Riverside Drive), and Market Street. The town's layout was initially designed by John Gwathemey, influenced by a plan from Thomas Jefferson. However, this plan proved impractical and was re-platted in 1817 by order of the Indiana Legislature. The town continued to grow, with several re-plattings and expansions, including a notable plan by Cincinnati civil engineer H. L. Barnum in 1836, though it was eventually replaced by a local engineer’s plan.

The Golden Age of Steamboats

From the 1850s until the Great Depression, Jeffersonville was a leading center of steamboat production in the United States. The deep harbor and strategic location made it ideal for this industry. Many residents of the district worked at the Howard Shipyards, which later became Jeffboat. The town's significance grew with the arrival of the railroad in 1852 and the opening of the Fourteenth Street Bridge in 1870, making it a crucial distribution center during the Civil War. The Ohio River served as a defensive barrier, making Jeffersonville a safer location compared to Louisville, Kentucky, across the river.

Architectural Marvels

Most buildings in the district date from after 1870, showcasing a variety of architectural styles. The commercial buildings along Spring Street are predominantly Italianate, while the Gothic Revival churches reflect the influence of Irish and German immigrants. Residential buildings include American Four Square styles, bungalows, and shotgun houses.

Warder Park is home to the old Carnegie Library, one of many built in Indiana in the early 20th century. Across Spring Street stands the Old Masonic Temple, an early 20th-century building with a majestic marble staircase. The Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana maintains the Grisamore House and the Willey-Allhands House, both significant historical buildings.

Spring Street: The Heart of the District

Spring Street is the primary roadway within the district, a typical 19th-century commercial corridor lined with Italianate and eclectic Victorian buildings. The 100 block, closest to the Ohio River, features the Old Strauss Hotel, a three-story Italianate hostelry. The 200 block is notable for the old Elk's Club structure and the Bensinger's Building, a 1920s commercial building. The 300 block boasts diverse architecture, including the 19th-century Masonic Temple, LaRose Theatre, and Schimpff's Confectionery, a candy store that opened in 1891 and now includes a small candy museum.

The 400 block continues the Italianate theme, with the 1907 Citizens National Bank Building as a standout, featuring stone Classical Revival architecture. Warder Park, located on the 500 block, is home to a Classical Revival Masonic Temple used throughout the 20th century.

Riverside Drive: Scenic Beauty

Riverside Drive offers some of the most scenic views of the Ohio River and the eastern Louisville shoreline. This area has seen limited alterations, preserving its natural beauty. Houseboats are docked along the river, while the north side features a variety of residential architectural styles. Unlike other parts of the city, Riverside Drive is outside the flood wall and was built two feet higher than the height of the Ohio River flood of 1937.

Market Street: A Residential Haven

Market Street is largely residential, with many shotgun houses in the 300-500 blocks. As it proceeds eastward, it becomes Utica Pike, connecting Jeffersonville with Utica, Indiana. Few buildings north of Market Street date before 1850, making it difficult to capture the district's early character.

Chestnut and Maple Streets

Chestnut Street is also predominantly residential. The 200 block features old supports for the Big Four Bridge, while the 100 block holds the Grisamore House. St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, a neo-Baroque structure with a Moorish-styled rectory, is located on the 300 block. The 400 block includes the Gothic Revival First Presbyterian Church and a WPA-era Art Modern school.

Maple Street has more commercial enterprises, with the 100 block dominated by parking lots and a funeral home. The Olde Towne Grocery and a collectibles store are located on the 100 block of East Maple. The 200 block is mostly residential, with Victorian homes and an office building used by Indiana Bell Telephone Company. The 300-800 blocks are primarily American Four-Square homes with a few Gothic-Revival churches.

Court Avenue: A Mix of Old and New

Court Avenue features both historic and new constructions. Only certain blocks are part of the historic district, allowing for Warder Park and eastern residential areas. The northernmost street in the district, it showcases a blend of architectural styles and modern developments.

The Old Jeffersonville Historic District is a vibrant tapestry of history, architecture, and community. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a charming place to explore, this district offers a unique glimpse into the past and a delightful experience in the present.