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STORY IDEAS
Indiana’s Famous Antique Alley
Historic National Road, the Nation's first highway
Quaker Heritage and the Underground Railroad
Arts and Culture
Unique and rare historic districts and architecture
Recipe for Family Fun
Indiana’s Famous Antique Alley
Indiana's Famous Antique Alley, voted one of the top 10 "choice antiquing destinations" by Midwest Living Magazine readers:
A 33-mile stretch of U.S. 40, that passes through Wayne County comes honestly by the title of Antique Alley; more than 900 antique dealers operate businesses along the old National Road from Richmond to Knightstown. The antiquing experience isn't limited to merchandise. Many antique shops are located in rare historical settings such as Centerville, Indiana's Federal style rowhouses with connecting archways. Voted in 1994 as one of the top 10 choice antiquing destinations in the Midwest by readers of Midwest Living magazine, Centerville is home to at least 550 antique dealers. Webb's Antique Mall, the largest in the United States, is just off the Old National Road in Centerville and houses more than 500 antique booths under one roof.
The Richmond-Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau offers a “free” Antique Package with lodging discounts.
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Historic National Road, the Nation’s first highway
So you thought interstate highways were created for high speed travel. The nation's first interstate highway, however, was built at a time when vehicles were typically "one-horse" power! Established by an act of Congress in 1806, the Old National Road made its way westward from Maryland in 1811 to western Illinois, where it was completed in 1832.
Its construction through Indiana preceded most Hoosier cities, hence its nickname "America's Main Street, as cities sprang up along its path. Enterprising pioneers recognized the need for inns, blacksmith shops and grocers, and settlers keen on cashing in on National Road traffic often offered their land to the government for free.
Designated a State Scenic Route in 1996, the Old National Road can drive home a sense of passing through our nation's history as travelers experience historical museums exhibiting pioneer displays and demonstrating the lifestyle of early Hoosier families. The historic architecture and early nineteenth century farms still gracing the route is truly a symbol of days past.
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Quaker Heritage and the Underground Railroad
Dense with forest and rich in game, Richmond, Indiana was proclaimed "The Land of Promise" by North Carolina Quakers seeking a new home free from the moral chains of slavery. The first settler, Jeremiah Cox, set about "building up a virtuous community" in 1806 by welcoming fellow Quakers to his paradise. His influence shaped Richmond as diverse groups of settlers sought the peaceful and prosperous lifestyle of the Friends. Quakers owned mills and foundries along the Whitewater River, and Quaker Charles Starr further influenced Richmond's destiny as he donated land to the railroad, stipulating that it be used for a depot. With access to rail transportation, more industrialists chose to locate in Richmond and during the late nineteenth century the city of 20,000 was home to no less than 47 millionaires. Along with economic impact, the Quakers established intellectual growth with the founding of Earlham College in 1847 and one of the nation's first public libraries in 1864.
Quaker- influenced rail passage wasn't limited to steam engines. Jeremiah Cox's Land of Promise was the stopover for many who traveled the Underground Railroad. The Levi Coffin Home in what is now Fountain City, north of Richmond, was built with hidden passages to safekeep more than 2,000 slaves who stopped there along their journey to freedom. One such traveler who slept in the Coffin's secret guestroom was the heroic Eliza, immortalized in Uncle Tom's Cabin.
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Arts and Culture
Love the cultural value of a symphony or theatre, strolling through a historical art museum, but hate the crowds of Manhattan? What's an art lover to do? Visit Richmond, Indiana, the Midwestern town of less than 38,000 with a full complement of cultural experiences -- all within a 15 minute drive of anywhere in town! It's the best of both worlds- the relaxing atmosphere of a small town, with big city cultural opportunities.
The Richmond Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional 80-piece orchestra, presenting guest artists from around the world, Founded in 1957, the RSO presents seven concerts each season. The RSO perform in Civic Hall Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art facility that is testimony to Richmond's commitment to the arts.
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Unique and rare historic districts and architecture
Fiercely proud of the rich heritage that shaped Richmond and Wayne County, residents have preserved the physical structures and neighborhoods that are monuments to local history.
The first settler to the area built his home in what is now Old Richmond. Enrolled on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Richmond is the site of more than 213 structures of historical importance. While enjoying a peaceful walking tour along the tree-lined streets, visitors can stop in at quaint shops and restaurants.
Richmond grew east and north of Old Richmond. Millionaire's Row along East Main Street with its multi-storied mansions, and the homes in the Starr Historic District reflect the affluent nineteenth century when 47 millionaires called Richmond home.
"Uptown" is a new title for an old Main Street. Richmond's business district is newly renovated with a flair of old time ambiance. Just west of Richmond, in Centerville, the downtown boasts uncommon architecture with its early 19th century rowhouses joined by archways. These rowhouses with their archways are highly regarded today by architectural experts throughout the U.S.
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Recipe for Family Fun
Long before North Carolina Quakers discovered that Richmond was “the land of promise,” mastodons roamed the region. In fact, one is still around.
The Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History, located on the Earlham College campus, has on display a giant prehistoric mastodon skeleton, along with the most complete fossilized beaver in the world. Fossils of all sorts can be found in abundance in and around Richmond, and families are often seen combing the Whitewater gorge for treasures as they enjoy hiking its trails. Hiking trails are also maintained in Hayes Arboretum, a 355-acre nature preserve containing 172 woody plants native to the region, where hands-on activities are offered throughout the year.
Richmond has two of the three mummy's on exhibit in Indiana. The Wayne County Historical Museum has the oldest Egyptian mummy, dated 1580 BC. The Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History has the honor of displaying the second mummy. Without a doubt, kids will love to crawl through the small passageways where slaves hid at the Levi Coffin House, an “Underground Railroad Station.”
Richmond's Park system offers a spectrum of activity, from its reservoir with fishing and paddleboats, to its 4,000 seat ballpark, home to the Richmond Roosters professional Frontier League baseball club, to its two golf courses. And in the fall, families can learn pertinent Hoosier facts as they traverse the McMaze at Dougherty Orchard and Petting Zoo, where you won't have to watch out for anything larger than a pony.
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