By Jaylon Jones
Named after William Zion, a businessman and mercantile owner, Zionsville was heralded for its land resources by early settlers. Zionsville is in the southeast corner of Boone County, which was founded four years before the town and named after Daniel Boone. Before whites settled the area, Miami Indians lived there.
With a population of about 27,000, Zionsville was founded in 1852 after the Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Lafayette Railroad was finished. Zion was a promoter of railroads and was a member of the board of directors for a proposed railway in Boone County.
Zionsville was almost named Marysville after Mary Hoover, daughter of David Hoover, the first settler of Eagle Township in Boone County. Hoover’s home held the first election, first church meeting and first probate court. Mary married Elijah Cross, and the couple inherited Hoover’s land when he died. Zion convinced Elijah and Mary Cross to create a town on their land.
To honor the past, many commercial buildings include historical markers and artifacts. Zionsville holds several seasonal festivals and events such as Cards for Critters and Christmas in the Village.
Attractions
Antique Fan Museum
The Antique Fan Museum has 2,000 antique fans on display. Some fans even date back to the 1800s. The fan collection includes desk fans, ceiling fans and alcohol-powered fans from more than 140 manufacturers. The two oldest fans, an electric desk fan from the 1890s and a non-electric fan from the 1880s, are part of the museum’s collection.
In addition, the museum has a number of handheld fans. The Antique Fan Collectors Association (AFCA) has operated this museum since 1997, and the museum was originally located in Wichita, Kansas. However, when the museum needed to be relocated, Fanimation, a ceiling fan manufacturer, offered to house the museum in Zionsville.
Antique Fan Museum
10983 Bennett Parkway
Zionsville
317-733-4113
fanimation.com/museum
SullivanMunce Cultural Center
Established in 1973, the SullivanMunce Cultural Center is a local resource for art, history and genealogy. The museum and library hold the heritage of Zionsville, Boone County and Indiana. The genealogy library provides more than 5,000 volumes of research materials. Named after Iva Etta Sullivan and Mary Muncie in 2003, the center honors two women who contributed greatly to the town’s heritage. Sullivan, the great-granddaughter of Patrick Henry Sullivan, an early settler of Boone County, bequeathed financing to study and preserve Indiana’s history, particularly Boone County. The Munce Art Center opened in 1981.
SullivanMunce Cultural Center
225 W. Hawthorne St.
Zionsville
317-873-4900
sullivanmunce.org
Accommodations
Brick Street Inn
Originally a simple frame house built in 1865, Brick Street Inn is now a charming establishment, renovated to create comfort for guests. Each room is furnished with antiques and rich colors. Suites offer robes, complimentary bottled water and breakfast each morning in the restaurant. Guests can choose from eight different rooms at varying price points. The inn also offers celebration packages for those visiting for a special occasion. The Chatauqua Room and William Zion Library are available for events. Business retreats or meetings, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and baby showers are also welcome events.
Brick Street Inn
175 S. Main St.
Zionsville
317-873-1900
brickstreetinn.com
Dining
My Sugar Pie
Kelly Maucere spent years baking pies for her friends and family before realizing she actually should go into the pie-making business. Maucere, a former teacher and stay-at-home mom, named her business after the nickname she and her mom, who taught her how to bake, use for her children. Maucere makes more than 40 homemade pies using her mom’s pie crust recipe. My Sugar Pie is also located in Greenwood Park Mall, and Maucere’s pies are available at several restaurants in the area including Cobblestone, Auberge, Uptown Café and Provision.
My Sugar Pie
40 E. Pine St.
Zionsville
317-733-8717
mysugarpie.com
Cobblestone
Opened in 2000, Cobblestone Grill offers guests a contemporary dining experience. Cobblestone features a family dining room and the Bourbon Room. In the warm months the patio is open for dining. Live music — at no cover charge — is featured Wednesday through Saturday nights either on the patio in the summer or in the bar during the chilly months. Cobblestone offers a variety of salads and appetizers. You can also check the draft beer menu for a favorite beer. Reservations for Saturday or Sunday brunch, lunch or dinner are accepted. I
Cobblestone
160 S. Main St.
Zionsville
317-873-4745
cobblestonez.com
