Where Butler University was born...

Ever passed this sign at 13th and College?

Imagine 13th and College 150 years ago...

Rather than Butler Bulldogs, image Northwestern Cardinals or some such mascot adorning the hats, license plate frames and sweats of Indy youth. It might have gone down that way had Ovid Butler had his way. Despite his impassioned protestations, Northwestern Christian College adopted the surname of Mr. Butler, one of its staunchest supporters in 1877.
The first board of directors for the college was formed in 1852. Ovid Butler offered a 25 acre site at the northeast corner of College Avenue and Home Avenue—now 13th Street. Architectural plans for the college’s main building were prepared by William Tinsley of Cincinnati, a onetime president of National Association of Architects who also designed Christ Church on Monument Circle.
November 1, 1855, Northwestern Christian opened to 40 students in an area still identified 150 years later by the name “College Corners.” Northwestern Christian holds the distinction of being one of the first institutions with college standing in the United States to offer equal educational opportunity to women. The college might also rightfully brag of its progressive nature where women are concerned, since Northwestern also employed the second woman ever to hold a position on the faculty of an American College. Perhaps you’ve heard of Catherine Merrill, Demia, Butler Chair of English literature? Her father, Samuel Merrill was one of the first to settle in Indianapolis, arriving by carriage from Corydon with the state’s ledgers and assets as state treasurer. Ever found a book published by Bowen-Merrill or Bobbs-Merrill? Same Merrill.

And this mostly forgotten birthplace now...