With its elegant Victorians along tree-lined streets, Old Northside provides a beautiful setting just minutes from downtown. The first house in the neighborhood was built by Ovid Butler in 1848. Butler, a successful attorney and an abolitionist, opened a school open to everyone, regardless of gender or race, which eventually became Butler University. In 1868, Benjamin Harrison moved to the neighborhood. Harrison, a Civil War veteran, became the nation's 23rd president.
Today, the Old Northside Historic District contains several notable landmarks, including the Morris-Butler House (built in 1864), the Benjamin Harrison Home (built in 1874), and the Indianapolis Propylaeum (built in 1888). Old Northside is located south of East 16th Street, extending to I-65. It is between Pennsylvania Street and Lewis Street. In addition to its historic homes, the neighborhood features several pocket parks and the Frank & Judy O'Bannon Soccer Park.
