Corydon Capitol and Civil War Heritage Tour

✘ Corydon, Indiana • August 23, 2024

⌖ Civil War Skirmishes and Constitutional Foundations

⟳ Independent Stop: Battle of Corydon Civil War Site

Arrival and Introduction to the Battle of Corydon

Our early arrival in Corydon provided the opportunity to visit the Battle of Corydon site, one of only two Civil War battles fought on Indiana soil. As we approached the battlefield, the “zigzag” or “Virginia fence” immediately caught our eye. This interlocking rail structure, commonly used during the Civil War, served as a vital defensive barrier for the town. The battle, part of General John Hunt Morgan’s Raid, saw Morgan’s 2,400 seasoned cavalry overwhelm the roughly 400 local militia, leading to the brief occupation of Corydon.

Artifacts of War: The Alice Dean and the Frontier Cabin

Among the artifacts at the site, a mooring post and anchor chain from the “Alice Dean,” a steamer commandeered and sunk by Morgan’s troops, stood as a stark reminder of the raid’s scale and impact. This piece of history underscored the logistical challenges Morgan’s forces faced during their extensive raid. Additionally, an old cabin on the site, though not directly tied to the battle, offered a tangible glimpse into the frontier life of Corydon’s early settlers, enriching our understanding of the town’s historical context.

① Carriage House & Harrison County Courthouse

The Carriage House and the Courthouse

With the weight of history still fresh in our minds, we made our way to the “Carriage House,” the starting point for our official tour. This modest white building, located just down the street from the former Capitol building, served as our meeting place. From there, we crossed the street to the corner of the County Courthouse, where our guide began her narration. The Courthouse, built in 1927, stands on the site where Indiana’s original Capitol building once functioned as the state’s governmental hub.

② Kintner-McGrain House

Our guide pointed out a log cabin up the street on Capitol Avenue, known as the Kintner-McGrain House. Built in 1817, this unassuming cabin is one of Corydon’s earliest structures and has served various roles over the years, from a private residence to a store, and later as a museum showcasing early pioneer life. Its connection to Corydon’s early architecture and settlement patterns offered valuable insights into the lives of the town’s early residents.

The Naming of Corydon: A Musical Legacy

The guide shared the fascinating history of how Corydon got its name—a tale that ties back to William Henry Harrison. Harrison, who owned 400 acres where Corydon now stands, was a frequent guest of the Smith family, who had an older daughter named Jenny. She often sang a song titled “Pastoral Elegy,” which Harrison favored. This song, about a shepherd boy named Corydon, would eventually lend its name to the town, creating a link between the area’s pastoral beauty and the fictional yet poignant story of a shepherd. This anecdote provided a personal connection to the town’s history, highlighting how the influences of prominent figures like Harrison shaped the cultural landscape of Corydon.

③ Corydon Capitol State Historic Site

The Historic Capitol: Indiana’s First Seat of Government

Our tour then led us to the historic Capitol building, a site of immense significance. Completed in 1816, the Capitol was the location where Indiana’s first constitution was drafted, marking Corydon’s role as the state’s first capital. The building itself is a marvel of historical preservation. After the new Courthouse was built, the old Capitol underwent extensive restoration, despite the lack of photographs to guide the process. Restorers relied on oral histories and whatever remnants they could find to recreate the building’s original appearance.

Inside the Capitol: Walls of Limestone and Stories of Justice

As we explored the restored interiors, we were struck by the thick limestone walls—two and a half feet thick—that provided a tangible connection to the past. The Capitol’s wooden floors, preserved from the early 19th century, creaked underfoot, adding to the building’s historical ambiance. We learned that much of the original structure, including the mantle and flagstones, had been preserved, though other elements had to be reproduced using historically accurate materials. One of the original pieces that survived was the fan light window above the door, its glass casting a warm, historical glow over the room.

The Capitol’s Role in Indiana’s Early Government

Inside, our guide recounted the Capitol’s significance during its time as Indiana’s state capital. In 1810, as the state’s population grew and shifted, the decision was made to move the capital from Vincennes to a more centrally located and safer area. Corydon was chosen, and in 1816, the Capitol building was completed. It was here that the first Indiana Constitution was drafted, a document that would set the course for the state’s future. The Capitol served as the hub of Indiana’s early government, with important decisions being made within these walls.

Historic Trials: The Fall Creek Massacre Case

Our tour then took us to the site of some of Indiana’s most significant court cases, held in what was once the Capitol’s courtroom. One such case was the Fall Creek Massacre trial, where settlers were tried and executed for the murder of Native Americans—a rare and significant ruling for its time. This trial, held within the Capitol’s courtroom, was a momentous occasion in the history of American justice, marking a rare instance where settlers were held accountable for crimes against Native Americans.

Senate and Supreme Court Chambers: Halls of Governance

As we absorbed the gravity of this historic case, our tour continued up the staircase to the Senate Chamber, a room steeped in legislative history. Here, Indiana’s early lawmakers gathered to debate and pass the laws that would shape the young state. The room itself has been carefully preserved, with original furnishings that offer a window into the past. Our guide pointed out the original chairs, designed to replicate those used by senators in the early 19th century. These chairs, with their simple yet sturdy construction, evoke the era’s craftsmanship and the modest beginnings of the state’s governance.

We then crossed the hallway to the Supreme Court Chamber, where Indiana’s highest judicial authority once convened. This room, like the Senate Chamber, was a hub of critical decision-making during the state’s formative years. Our guide recounted additional stories of justice and governance, highlighting the role this chamber played in shaping Indiana’s legal and political landscape. The chambers, with their preserved furnishings and echoes of past deliberations, provided a profound sense of connection to the state’s early judicial and legislative processes, illustrating the foundations upon which modern Indiana was built.

④ Porter Law Offices

After completing our tour of the Capitol, we proceeded to the Porter Law Offices building, located next to the Governor’s House. This building, once the workplace of Judge William A. Porter, who came to Corydon as a teacher before becoming a prominent lawyer and circuit court judge, was filled with original furnishings and artifacts that spoke to the legal history of the town. The original Franklin stove still stood in the office, a relic from the early 19th century that added to the authenticity of the setting.

⑤ Governor’s House

Next door was the Governor’s House, a residence that once housed Indiana’s early governors. The house, surrounded by beautifully maintained herb gardens, offered a glimpse into the life of Indiana’s early leaders. As we stood by the modest garden, our guide explained the purpose of each section: the medicinal garden with its herbs for remedies, the kitchen garden for spices, the tea garden, and the fragrance garden. It was easy to imagine how these gardens would have served the daily needs of the Governor and his household.

Inside the Governor’s House: Artifacts of Governance

Inside the Governor’s House, we explored several rooms, each filled with period-appropriate furniture and artifacts. The desk in the corner, we were told, belonged to Jonathan Jennings, Indiana’s first governor, and it was quite possibly the desk upon which the Indiana Constitution was signed. The connection to history was tangible in this room, where decisions that shaped the future of the state were made.

The Kitchen: Heart of the Governor’s Home

Our final stop inside the historic house was the kitchen, a captivating space that not only served as a functional heart of the home but also played a strategic role in the daily life of the 19th century. In that era, kitchens were commonly detached from the main house, a deliberate design choice aimed at reducing the risk of fire—a constant hazard in homes where open flames were used for cooking. Additionally, separating the kitchen helped keep the living areas cooler during the hot summer months, a practical solution before the advent of modern climate control.

Stepping into the kitchen, we were greeted by the original brick floors, their timeworn surfaces a testament to the many years of use. The centerpiece of the room was the large fireplace, where much of the household cooking would have taken place. Our guide demonstrated how the crane in the hearth, a movable iron arm, would have been used to hold pots over the fire. This simple yet ingenious tool allowed cooks to control the heat more effectively by swinging the pots closer to or farther from the flames, showcasing the resourcefulness and adaptability of the time.

⟳ Independent Stop: First State Office Building

With the visit to the Governor’s House concluding our guided tour, we decided to continue exploring a bit on our own. Returning to our car, our first stop was at the First State Office Building, just behind the buildings we had just visited and constructed in 1817. This historic building once served as the administrative center for the fledgling state, housing the offices of the State Treasurer and Auditor until the fall of 1824. We paused for a moment to capture this significant piece of history with a photograph.

⟳ Independent Stop: Constitution Elm

The Constitution Elm: A Living Symbol of Indiana’s Founding

Our journey continued to West High Street, where we visited the site of the Constitution Elm. Here we encountered the location of the large tree under which Indiana’s first constitution was drafted in 1816. Though the original tree is no longer standing, the stump of the Constitution Elm has been carefully preserved and encased in a stone structure to protect it from the elements, ensuring that this important piece of history is not lost to time. A plaque at the site commemorates the event, providing context for visitors.

Corydon’s Rich Heritage

As we wrapped up our tour, I reflected on the many layers of history we had uncovered. From the early days of statehood to the struggles for justice that played out in these very buildings, Corydon’s historical sites offered a vivid journey through Indiana’s past.

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☑ Who Is This Tour Best For?

• History Buffs: Civil War skirmish sites and Indiana’s first constitution.
• Architecture Lovers: Preserved limestone Capitol, pioneer cabins, and early law offices.
• Cultural Explorers: Insights into pioneer life, governance, and Native American history.
• Families: An educational, compact walking tour through Indiana’s first capital.
• Photographers: Historic limestone buildings, gardens, and the Constitution Elm.

⊞ Tour Summary

• Tour Name: Corydon Capitol Tour: A Journey Through Indiana’s First State Capital
• Offered By: Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites (Corydon)
• Total Duration: 2 hours (plus optional independent stops)
• Main Stops: Battle of Corydon Site, Carriage House, Kintner-McGrain House, Corydon Capitol, Porter Law Offices, Governor’s House
• Drive-By Highlights: Corydon town center, early 19th-century structures

▣ Activity Summary

• Walking Distance: 3,000–3,500 steps
• Terrain: Town sidewalks, interior floors, gardens
• Accessibility: Moderate; some uneven sidewalks and stairs in historic buildings
• Meals Included: None

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