The Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum is housed inside the famous Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the heart of Indianapolis. This unique museum is a testament not only to the courage of those who fought for their patriotic beliefs, but also to the imaginations of the museum’s creators.
Stepping into the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum is like stepping 150 years back in history to a time when our nation was divided into North and South and cannon fire could be heard throughout the country.
Marking the center point of Monument Circle, located near IUPUI, Lucas Oil Stadium, and Circle Center Mall, the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum is a great place to experience Indiana’s involvement in the Civil War. Taking place over a series of concise, beautifully rendered displays and exhibits, the Museum escorts its visitors through important time periods in the Civil War.
The museum, named after one of Indianapolis’s most famed citizens, Colonel Eli Lilly, is a great place to bring Indianapolis kids to give them an educational boost after a day of exciting fun at Climb Time or Fastimes Indoor Karting. This slice of history is sure to entertain them so much that they’ll forget they’re learning valuable lessons about honor, courage, and Indianapolis.
Comprised of “vignettes” that take the viewer on a trip through time back to the Civil War days, the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum offers such a powerful experience that no visitor leaves unchanged. It’s right at the top of the list of Indianapolis attractions.
A sense of great involvement in history is conveyed to the visitor of the museum through sculpture, video, and interactive maps. You can experience the anticipation and dread of an upcoming battle, and the tension felt by family members left at home. You will even be able to read authentic letters from soldiers to their families.
One of the highlights of the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum is the connecting corridor between the two main galleries. It truly gives visitors the sense of being a marching soldier, with great details like a rutted dirt path and a covered bridge.
In addition to taking in the sights and sounds of battle, visitors will also encounter the rigors of hospital and prison life, probably making them thankful that they live in a modern era.
If you haven’t had your fill of history after leaving the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum, why not head over to the Indiana State Capitol Building just a few blocks away? The Museum isn’t far from many other Indianapolis attractions, and it’s a great compliment to any day about town.
For more information on the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum and the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, including a virtual tour and in-depth looks at the beautiful sculpture decorating the Monument, visit the Indiana War Memorial’s Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum homepage.
Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum
Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument
Monument Circle
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317.232.7615
