Annie here, Coming to you from
The Garfield Alive Welcome Center
Celebrating ~FUN WITH LEARNING
Growing Difference-makers in the Park
Come see. Difference-makers come in all sizes!
Stay connected— GarfieldParkIndy.org
Pssst! Digital-Direct Tours at Your Finger Tips!
We are developing a simple information tool for all of our guests. You will soon find recorded InfoGrams available at the major sites in the Park. This will be a useful resource for families, teachers and group leaders, neighbors and our out-of-town guests visiting our city.
We have ACRES ofGREAT Summer Fun!
Swimming, meandering through the Conservatory Rain Forrest.
Hiking around the gardens, over the bridges…and along the creeks.
We are dedicated to telling the stories of the people and events…the seeds that have grown and inter-twined into the living context of these grounds. This homeplace, for our gardens, the birds and butterflies, our splendid Fountains and our dedicated community of caretakers and loyal visitors. Yes, all of them Difference-makers.
ParkNotes
The Park was named for and dedicated to James Abram Garfield, 20th President of the United States in 1881 after he died from an assassin’s bullet. Ever since, Garfield Park hasgrown from significant historical roots. It is home to several storied and historical Monuments, each one a testament to the strength and courage of the military warriors they stand for. Difference-makers.
Our Past. Our Present. Our Future.
100-plus acres—purchased 100-plus years ago, destined to become not just anyordinary park. OurHistoric Homeplace. This supernatural diary of generations of Difference-makers.
So many stories to tell….
President James A. Garfield: A Difference-maker
President Garfield was sworn into office on March 4, 1881.
Unbeknown to him, he would have only four months to make his difference for the country. After the Civil War, the U.S. navy had been declining. Our ships were substandard and under-gunned compared to other nations’ steel navies. U.S. warships were made from wood or iron and relied on wind power. Garfield’s appointment as Secretary of the Navy, William H. Hunt, established a planning board that called for the construction of 68 ships.
Garfield’s plan did survive his death! (September 19, 1881)
After Vice-President Arthur became President, Garfield’s plan was endorsed and implemented along with continued naval modernization going forward.
Had President Garfield not practiced a leader’s work ethic, he may not have made this difference…and the U.S. Navy might not have been as prepared for the World Wars looming on the horizon.