THINGS TO DO

The square, Federal-style capitol building, built between 1814 and 1816, is located in the heart of downtown Corydon. Workers hauled limestone from nearby quarries to erect the 40-foot square walls, and logs were cut from virgin forests for the ceiling and roof supports. After the government moved to Indianapolis, the building was used as the Harrison County Courthouse. When the present courthouse was completed in 1929, the old capitol building was restored and opened as a state memorial in 1930.

The Governor’s Headquarters, a brick home built in 1817, was the home and office to William Hendricks, Indiana’s second elected governor from 1822 to 1825. The building is one of nine original buildings from the time Corydon served as the state capital. The other buildings are the First State Office Building, Cedar Glade, Posey House, Westfall House, Branham Tavern, Adams-Payne House and Harvey Heth House.

Judge William Porter helped defend Corydon when the Confederate soldiers under General John Hunt Morgan took control of the town. While Porter was too old to serve in the Union Army, he was a supporter of the North during the Civil War and chose to fight alongside the Harrison County Home Guard. Judge Porter and his descendants lived in the Governor’s Headquarters from 1841 to 1975.

Davis Floyd, a local politician, built the First State Office building in 1817. The brick portion on the left side of the picture is the original building. This building served as the headquarters for the state auditor and treasurer. There was once a vault in the cellar that held the state’s money that was accessible through a trapdoor that has since been covered.

We can all play a role in protecting and supporting Indiana’s pollinators. Bee Welcoming to Indiana’s Pollinators is a conservation and preservation effort made possible by our partners at Corteva Agriscience. The program focuses on cultivating the landscapes and gardens at each of our 12 locations across the state to support native plants and maintain diverse habitats to attract and support pollinators. When you visit, you’ll learn about the importance of protecting bees, birds and butterflies and how all Hoosiers can play a role in habitat conservation and restoration, which creates a welcoming space for these important pollinators. We can help these winged wonders by simply removing invasive species, planting pollinator-friendly plants and placing bee boxes. We hope you visit and see the important role you play and enjoy the vibrant gardens courtesy of Indiana’s pollinators.