This coming week in Indiana’s history . . .
1802 – The city of Jeffersonville was platted based upon plans designed by Thomas Jefferson. The site, on the Ohio River across from Louisville, was the location of a military post called Fort Steuben.
1889 – John Morton-Finney was born in Kentucky. He became a prominent civil rights leader, attorney and educator. After serving in World War I, he came to Indianapolis where he joined the first faculty at Crispus Attucks High School. He served his community as an attorney and teacher. When he died at age 108, he was considered the oldest practicing attorney in the nation.
1900 – A statue of William H. English was unveiled in English, Ind. The town is named for the Hoosier Congressman and nominee for Vice President in 1880. A successful businessman, English organized the capital city’s First National Bank and managed the Indianapolis Railway Company. He built the famed English Hotel and Opera House, which occupied the entire northwest quadrant of the Circle in downtown Indianapolis.
1937 – The award-winning band from the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Knightstown performed in Indianapolis. They presented a morning program at the Claypool Hotel, they entertained at a luncheon at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, and they played that afternoon at the Speedway. The 60 band members, ranging in age from 11 to 17, were directed by C. R. Deardorff.
1977 – Elvis Presley gave the last concert of his career at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis. He performed for 80 minutes in front of 18,000 fans and sang many of his hits, including “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Hound Dog.” He closed the show with his classic ballad, “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.”
1989 – The Eiteljorg Museum opened in Indianapolis. Named for businessman Harrison Eiteljorg, the museum began with his extensive collection of Native American objects and Western paintings and sculptures.