Historical Downtown Walking Tour

Downtown Walking Tour (Continued from page 2)

16. 120 W. North - This mansard roof home, unusual for around here, was built about 1884 by Frank Dowden. The front porch is certainly different, being made of two large slabs of Harris City limestone.

At the corner, turn right on North Michigan Ave. and view beautiful City Hall.

17. City Hall - This is the former historic Carnegie library site. The building is now a central hub for all city government. If touring during business hours, view the rotunda inside City Hall.

Continue northwest to view the home at 508 N. Michigan Ave.

18. 508 N. Michigan Ave. - Rev. Winchester contracted with W. Stevens, who had built several brick houses in this area, to build his home. It was started in 1864 and took 3 years to build. The Oscar Miller family bought the residence in 1898, and owned it for 73 years.

Continue north to the corner of Michigan Ave. and Ireland St. to see the Michigan Road Marker.

19. Michigan Road Marker - The Michigan Road became one of the first major roadways stretching from the Ohio River in southeast Indiana to the Michigan State Line.

Cross Michigan Ave. and begin to walk back on the opposite side of the street. View the historic homes at 503 N. Michigan Ave. and 401 N. Michigan Ave.

20. 503 N. Michigan Ave. - This lovely brick house was built in 1843 by Gabriel Woodfill, one of the early merchants of Decatur County. This is one of the oldest houses in Greensburg.

21. 401 N. Michigan Ave. - Another of the large brick homes built in the late 1800's. Note the bay windows on the east side. The brick garage was likely a carriage house in the horse and buggy days.

Upon returning to City Hall, turn right and follow Jackson St. south to see the coffe bean tree at 221 N. Jackson St.

22. 221 N. Jackson St. - The coffee bean tree is not very common, but has a large range over Mid-America. The fruit is a pod with large beans in it. The early settlers used these seeds to make a coffee-like drink. The seeds have a slight coffee smell to them.

At the corner of Jackson and Washington streets, turn left/east on Washington and return to the famous historic Tower Tree Square. Watch as the Tower Tree comes into view.

End your tour by reading the names of those who are honored on the Historic Veterans' Walk, which completely surrounds the square.

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