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Historic Irvington
Founded in 1870, Irvington became the first sleeper community of Indianapolis. The town was founded as a haven for artists and academics and named after author Washington Irving (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow). The town founders (Sylvester Johnson and Jacob Julian) felt the area resembled Sleepy Hollow. The theme of literary names can be seen around the neighborhood in its street names (Emerson, Hawthorne, and Whittier). It became the home of North Western Christian University. In 1877, the school changed its name to Butler University. Quickly the town grew as did the university. As the new century began, Irvington was annexed by Indianapolis. More families and businesses came to Irvington. Butler found it needed more space as well and moved to its current home in 1928.
As the years passed, Irvington became a community of people passionate about its history and unique place in Indianapolis. Our friends at the Irvington Historic Society and the newly (1967) formed Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation came together to acquire the Benton House (the president's home for Butler University) to help restore and preserve the home. Shortly after that the Kile Oak property was acquired in the same spirit of celebration of history. A bur oak tree estimated to be a sapling when William Shakespeare was born (1565)!
Quietly, while all of the rest of the 20th century was happening, Irvington began celebrating Halloween with a small parade of children on Washington St. This parade in 1946 has grown to a week-long festival in Halloween's Favorite Neighborhood.
The Irvington Development Organization acts as our bridge to the future. They watch for opportunities to bring new businesses, new arts grants, and expand Irvington's reputation as a destination for lovers of history, art, and community.