Discover 10 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Indiana (United States). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Old Indiana County Courthouse, Breezedale, and John Sutton Hall. Also, be sure to include Silas M. Clark House in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Indiana (Pennsylvania).
Table of Contents
Old Indiana County Courthouse
Courthouse. The Old Indiana County Courthouse is a former courthouse located in Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The courthouse was built between 1869 and 1870 and designed by local architect James W. Drum. It was the second courthouse to serve the county, with the first demolished in 1868. The final cost of the project was $150,000. A dedication ceremony took place on December 19, 1870. Former Governor of Pennsylvania William F. Johnston spoke at the ceremony.
The architecture, done in the Second Empire Italianate style, is primarily red brick and stone. The roof was designed in the Mansard style. The courthouse features a gold leaf cupola clocktower with four faces. The main courtroom, located on the second floor measured 100 feet (30 m) by 82 feet (25 m), with a 30 feet (9.1 m) ceiling.
The large clock in the cupola was the largest in the county at the time. It was manufactured by Howard Clock Company of Boston and Springfield, Ohio. The four faces were each 7 feet (2.1 m) in diameter. The clock required winding once a week, a 15-minute process. Today the clock runs on a new digital style, that turns the hands on the faces of the clock.
A jail and sheriff's residence was constructed next door in 1879, with a bridge that connected it to the courthouse to transport prisoners. At least six individuals were hung in the court's jailyard, between 1882 and 1913.
On September 24, 1945, a picture of Indiana-native Jimmy Stewart in front of the courthouse was featured on the cover of Life magazine. John F. Kennedy gave a speech outside the courthouse on October 15, 1960 while campaigning during the presidential election. In the rafters above the court room, there is a painted "JFK". As to whether this was from JFK himself is unknown.
The courthouse held its final session on November 11, 1970. After being replaced by the newer building, the now "old" Courthouse fell into disuse and was scheduled for demolition. The county commissioners offered a restoration-lease agreement to interested parties. On January 3, 1972, the commissioners approved an agreement with the National Bank of the Commonwealth, who planned to renovate the building for administrative use. NBOC was required to spend $100,000 in restoration over the initial three-year lease period in order to be eligible for a 47-year extension. The bank agreed to pay $12,000 total in taxes and rent for use of the courthouse, including the jail next door when it was vacated.
Today, the entire bell tower is supported by scaffolding set up in the main court room of the building, due to the age of the building's supports. This area is not seen by visitors very often.
The courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 29, 1974. Currently the building serves as administrative offices for First Commonwealth Financial.
The courthouse is featured in the Miniature Railroad & Village at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh.[1]
Breezedale
Building. "Breezedale", also known as Sutton-Elkin House, is a historic home located on the campus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania at Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. It was built between 1865 and 1868, and has a 2+1⁄2-story, brick main building, 20 feet by 30 feet, in a Late Victorian-Italianate-style. Attached to the main section are a 12 feet by 18 feet wood addition, and two brick extensions. It features a classic portico and cupola. The building has been used as a dormitory and for classroom space, since being a part of the university after 1915. It is now home to Breezedale Alumni Center.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.[2]
John Sutton Hall
Building in Linden, Pennsylvania. John Sutton Hall is the Old Main building of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Constructed between 1873 and 1875, the building was the first constructed for the Indiana Normal School. In 1903, the building was named after John Sutton, the first president of the school's Board of Trustees. Sutton Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.[3]
Silas M. Clark House
Building in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Silas M. Clark House, also known as Clark Memorial Hall and History House, is a historic home in Indiana, Pennsylvania, United States. It was built from 1869 to 1870, and is a three-story, brick building with a cross-gable roof in Italian Villa-style. It features round headed windows, a central tower, and arched entryway. It housed the local chapter of the American Red Cross from 1918 to 1930. The building has housed the Indiana County Historical and Genealogical Society since 1951.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.[4]
Old Indiana County Jail and Sheriff's Office
Building in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Old Indiana County Jail and Sheriff's Office is a historic jail and Sheriff's office located at Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. It consists of two buildings built in 1887–1888. They are brick buildings in the Italianate-style. The jail is attached to the rear of the Sheriff's Office, also known as the Sheriff's House. They are connected to the Old Indiana County Courthouse by a second floor pedestrian bridge.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.[5]
Downtown Indiana Historic District
Downtown Indiana Historic District is a national historic district located at Indiana in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The district includes 86 contributing buildings and 1 contributing site in the central business district and surrounding residential areas of Indiana. The district includes notable examples of buildings in the Italianate, Second Empire, and Queen Anne styles. Notable buildings include the Federal-style William Houston House, Clawson Hotel, Thomas Sutton House, Calvary Presbyterian Church, Zion Lutheran Church, First United Presbyterian Church, and First Methodist Episcopal Church. The contributing site is Memorial Park, established as a burial ground in the early 19th century. Located in the district and listed separately are the Silas M. Clark House, James Mitchell House, Old Indiana County Courthouse, Indiana Borough 1912 Municipal Building, Indiana Armory, and Old Indiana County Jail and Sheriff's Office.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.[6]
Indiana Armory
Building in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Indiana Armory is a historic National Guard armory located at Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. It was designed by Joseph F. Kuntz of Pittsburgh architects W.G. Wilkins Co. The drill hall was built in 1922, and is a one-story structure with a gambrel roof. The administration building was added in 1929, and consists of a two-story section with a recessed one-story portion. The building is a modified "T"-plan in the Moderne style.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.[7]
Indiana Borough 1912 Municipal Building
Municipal corporation in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Indiana Borough 1912 Municipal Building is a historic municipal building located at Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1912, and is a 2+1⁄2-story, three-bay by five-bay brick building in the Dutch Colonial Revival-style. The front facade features a uniquely shaped, stepped and arched parapet and elongated arcaded windows. It is reminiscent of 17th-century Dutch Town Halls.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.[8]
James Mitchell House
Building in Indiana, Pennsylvania. The James Mitchell House is a historic home located at Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The front section was built about 1850, and is a 2+1⁄2-story, brick building with a gable roof in a vernacular Federal-style. It measures six bays by four bays. It has a 2+1⁄2-story frame rear wing, making for an "L"-shaped building. The house was used as an inn.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.[9]
Indiana
Public university in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a public research university in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. As of fall 2021, the university enrolled 7,044 undergraduates and 1,865 postgraduates, for a total enrollment of 9,009 students. The university is 55 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. It is governed by a local Council of Trustees and the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. IUP has branch campuses at Punxsutawney, Northpointe, and Monroeville. IUP is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.[10]