National Register Listing

Abel, Elias, House

317 N. Fairview St., Bloomington, IN
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

politics government architecture houses residential buildings
The first European settlement in Indiana was established by the French in 1732 at Vincennes, in the southwestern part of the state.
Indiana random facts
Monroe County, Indiana has a rich history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Delaware and Miami. The first European settlers arrived in the late 1700s, with the establishment of Fort Vincennes. However, it wasn't until the early 1800s that Monroe County was officially formed and named after President James Monroe.

During the 19th century, Monroe County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s improved transportation and facilitated the expansion of industries such as limestone quarrying and agriculture. Bloomington, the county seat, became a hub for education with the establishment of Indiana University in 1820. The university's growth influenced the cultural and intellectual enrichment of the region.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a variety of changes in Monroe County. The county's economy diversified with the establishment of factories and industries, including the Showers Brother Furniture Company and RCA. The county also saw its fair share of historical events, including the establishment of Camp Atterbury during World War II, where thousands of soldiers were trained.

In recent decades, Monroe County has become a vibrant and thriving community. The presence of Indiana University continues to shape the county's demographic and cultural landscape. The city of Bloomington, known for its arts, music, and vibrant downtown scene, offers a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities. Today, Monroe County is known for its scenic beauty, diverse communities, and a commitment to education and innovation.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Monroe County, Indiana.

  • 1816 - Monroe County is established as part of the newly admitted state of Indiana.
  • 1820 - The first county courthouse is built in Bloomington, the county seat.
  • 1824 - Indiana University is established in Bloomington.
  • 1830 - The county population reaches over 6,000 residents.
  • 1854 - The Bloomington and Bedford Railroad is completed, connecting Monroe County to other parts of Indiana.
  • 1884 - The iconic Monroe County Courthouse, designed by architect Brentwood S. Tolan, is completed.
  • 1904 - The Indiana University School of Music is established, later renamed the Jacobs School of Music.
  • 1920 - Lake Monroe, the largest lake in Indiana, is created with the construction of the Monroe Dam.
  • 1969 - Monroe County becomes the site of significant anti-war protests during the Vietnam War.
  • 1994 - The Indiana University Cyclotron Facility, a particle accelerator used for scientific research, is opened.
  • 2006 - The Monroe County Convention Center is completed in downtown Bloomington.
  • 2019 - Monroe County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.