Corydon Capitol

Corydon Capitol

Indiana's Original Capitol

WHERE STATEHOOD BEGAN

Indiana’s transformation from a territorial outpost to a functioning modern state was a deeply dramatic and fascinating time in our nation’s history. Here, you can explore Corydon’s colorful beginnings where Hoosier statesmen carefully built the foundations for the state we know today.

Old Constitution Elm photo

In June of 1816, 43 delegates met in Corydon to draft the first state constitution. Much of their work was done under the shade of a large elm tree. The trunk of the tree, now known as “Constitution Elm,” is still standing. The first state election was on Aug. 5, 1816, in which Jonathan Jennings was elected governor.

In November 1816, the first General Assembly of 29 representatives, 10 senators and the lieutenant governor met in the new capitol building. On Dec. 11, 1816, Indiana was formally admitted as the 19th state. Corydon remained the state capital until the government moved to Indianapolis in 1825.

Capitol Building
Children Under 3 Admission: Free
Youth (Ages 3 - 17) Admission: $5
Adults (Ages 18 - 59) Admission: $8
Seniors (Ages 60+) Admission: $7
Members Admission: Free

Purchase Tickets

Photography, videography or use of paranormal equipment of any kind is not permitted on tours.

Walk up tour tickets are subject to availability. Purchasing online or by calling the site is recommended to ensure tour registration especially when visiting on a free day or when schools are in session.

Purchase Tickets

Operating Hours

Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Holidays

MLK Day – Open

Presidents Day – Open

Good Friday – Open

Easter – Closed

Memorial Day – Open for preregistered tours only

July 4th – Open

Labor Day – Open for preregistered tours only

Thanksgiving – Closed

Christmas Eve – Closed

Christmas Day – Closed

New Year’s Eve – Closed

New Year’s Day – Limited hours with preregistered tours only

Free Days

MLK Day (January 20)

Presidents Day (February 17)

Juneteenth Celebration (Date TBD)

Corydon Capitol

History comes to life in Corydon

The Corydon Capitol State Historic Site commemorates Indiana’s first state capital and follows the development of Indiana from a territory to a state.

Capitol Building

Discover Where it all began

Tour the original state Capitol building, which served as Indiana’s government center from 1816 to 1825, and see a copy of the 1815 Census that helped officials prove the territory’s population—a requirement for statehood.

See Indiana's most important tree

Take a walk to see the preserved trunk of the Constitution Elm. It’s believed to be where the original 43 delegates to the Indiana Constitutional Convention gathered on a hot June day to draft the state’s first constitution.

Constitution Elm
Herb Garden

Explore an Heirloom Herb Garden

Medicine in the early 1800s was different from what we use today. Some remedies were made using plants we grow in our herb garden. Lamb’s Ear was said to have antimicrobial properties and the soft leaves were used as bandages to prevent infections.

school buses parked outside Corydon Capitol State Historic Site

BOOK A FIELD TRIP

Help bring history, science, art and education to life for your students with a one-of-a-kind field trip experience. All state historic sites support Indiana Academic Standards, and feature a variety of academic topics. Call 812.738.4890 to schedule your visit to Corydon Capitol.

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Corydon Capitol Interior

Oh yeah, these walls can talk

Capitol Building Interior

The original Capitol building

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

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.

Govenor's HQ
Porter Law Office

The Porter Law Office

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.

The First State Office Building

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.

1st State office Building
Membership

Become a Member Today!

With an entire capitol to explore, including special programming and members-only guided tours, a membership opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Make it a trip-tastic getaway! What will you see today?

explore our membership plans

Plan Your Trip

  • Admission

    Timed, indoor tours are available Wednesday through Sunday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

    Photography, videography or use of paranormal equipment of any kind is not permitted on tours.

    Walk up tour tickets are subject to availability. Purchasing online or by calling the site is recommended to ensure tour registration especially when visiting on a free day or when schools are in session.

    Purchase Tickets
  • Cultural Pass

    You can pick up your cultural pass for youth ages 0 to 21 at your local library in Floyd, Harrison, Clark, Oldham, Jefferson, and Bullitt counties. Visit www.culturalpass.org for more information.
    Guided tours available at Corydon Capitol State Historic Site until Aug. 6
    Tours are available Wednesday through Sunday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
    Please note, if you would like a regular guided tour these days, please call the site to confirm availability.
  • Contact

  • Group Rate

    Discounted tickets are available for groups of 10 visitors or more. To receive group rates, please call the site in advance and purchase all tickets with one payment. Find prices below.

    Adults – $7
    Seniors* – $6
    Youth* – $4
    Children under 3 – FREE
    *Seniors: Ages 60 and older, Youth: Ages 3 through 17

    For group transportation to a state historic site, contact our partners at CharterUP.

  • Discounts

    Special discounts are available for educators and education groups, military, Access Pass holders and more. View all discounts >>

    We’re proud to participate in the annual Cultural Pass May through September. Registration is required for a Cultural Pass tour. Call the site to reserve your spot on our guided tours.

  • School Groups

    Field trip admission is free for pre-scheduled, accredited schools and homeschool groups of 10 or more Indiana K-12 students. Members of the Indiana Association of Homeschool Educators receive free daily admission with proof of membership. Call 812.738.4890 to schedule your visit.

    Academic topics covered include early Indiana statehood, civics, government, law and pioneer life.

    Learn more
  • Girl Scouts

    Corydon Capitol State Historic Site has numerous opportunities for Girl Scouts throughout the year. We also offer a free, printable Badge Explorer Guide!

    Learn more
  • Commercial Photography And Videography

    If you are a photographer looking to book a shoot at Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, please review our commercial photography policy and application process. Learn more >>

202 E. Walnut St., Corydon, IN 47112

Visit Today

Corydon Capitol State Historic Site is located on the town square. Find the state historic site by traveling south on State Road 135 from I-64, then take State Road 62 (also known as the Ohio River Scenic Byway) about 1.2 miles to State Road 337. Parking is available at the historic downtown square. There is also parking located at the Harrison County Convention and Visitors Bureau.