Holy Rosary-Danish Church Historic District

The Holy Rosary-Danish Church Historic District encompasses 183 historic buildings across 49 acres with residences and commercial structures in Italianate, Gothic Revival, and other historical architectural styles. The structures date mainly from the late 1800s and early 1900s and still define the neighborhood's character today.

The area was founded in 1854 and initially served as a German and Irish settlement before becoming Indiana's largest Italian community by 1910. This shift in population is reflected in the mix of architectural styles and the presence of both churches.

The Trinity Danish Lutheran Church and Holy Rosary Catholic Church reflect the different immigrant communities that shaped this neighborhood. Both religious buildings remain gathering places today and show how various groups have preserved their traditions.

The neighborhood is located at the intersection of South East Street and South Stevens Street, bordered by Virginia Avenue and Interstate 65/70. Walking through the area allows you to explore the various house types and the two main churches from different vantage points.

Many of the older houses in this neighborhood were built by craftspeople who designed and constructed their own homes, resulting in a wide variety of personal architectural details. These individual features make each block distinctive and tell the story of individual families who lived here.