CorydonOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Territorial Capital to Statehood

Corydon was established in 1808 on land previously owned by General William Henry Harrison, who later became the 9th U.S. President. He named the town after a shepherd in the song, "Pastoral Elegy." The town's location at the confluence of Big Indian Creek and Little Indian Creek, forming Indian Creek, made it suitable for settlement.

In 1813, Corydon became the second capital of the Indiana Territory, a move from Vincennes due to its more central location for the population near the Ohio River. A two-story, square, Federal-style limestone building, now known as the Old Indiana State Capitol, was built between 1814 and 1816. It served as the Harrison County courthouse and the territorial legislature. This building was central to Indiana's path to statehood.

State Formation and Civil War Engagement

In June 1816, forty-three delegates met in Corydon to draft Indiana's first constitution, a step toward statehood. Due to summer heat and conditions inside the capitol building, many discussions took place outdoors under a large elm tree, known as the Constitutional Elm. Indiana became the 19th U.S. state on December 11, 1816, with Corydon as its first state capital. The state government operated from Corydon until 1825, when the capital moved to Indianapolis for a more central location within the state.

Corydon was also the site of the only Civil War battle fought on Indiana soil. On July 9, 1863, Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan's cavalry, numbering around 2,400, attacked the town. They overcame about 450 Indiana militiamen. This event, the Battle of Corydon, is commemorated at the Battle of Corydon Memorial Park.

• —Old Indiana State Capitol — This Federal-style limestone building, constructed between 1814 and 1816, served as Indiana's first state capital from 1816 to 1825. Tours of the preserved interior show where early state laws were debated and enacted.
• —Constitutional Elm Site — The original elm tree, under which Indiana's first constitution was drafted in June 1816, died in 1925. Its preserved trunk stands as a monument, marking the spot where delegates gathered.
• —First State Office Building — This historic building shows early administrative functions of Indiana's state government during its time in Corydon. It is part of the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site.
• —Battle of Corydon Memorial Park — This park commemorates the only Civil War battle fought on Indiana soil, which occurred on July 9, 1863. It provides interpretive signs and a monument to reflect on this event.
• —Harrison County Courthouse — This courthouse, on the town square, replaced the Old Indiana State Capitol when it ceased to function as the county courthouse in 1919.
• —Corydon Toll House (reconstruction) — This reconstructed toll house offers information about historical transportation and infrastructure of the area, reflecting a time when tolls were collected for road usage.
• —Zimmerman Art Glass — Visit the second-oldest, family-run studio glass factory in the United States, in business for 78 years. Watch artisans create glass pieces and find items for purchase.

The best times to visit Corydon for comfortable weather and outdoor activities are from April through June and from late July to late September. During these periods, temperatures are generally between the mid-60s and low 80s Fahrenheit. Spring and fall show the town's natural features with blooming trees and colorful foliage. The Harrison County Fair, Indiana's oldest county fair, takes place in June. Events like the Popcorn Festival in July and Glasstoberfest in October also attract visitors.

Avoid visiting in January and February if cold weather is a concern, as temperatures can drop to average lows of 25°F (-4°C) and highs around 43°F (6°C), with cloudy skies. Summers, particularly July and August, can be hot and humid, with average highs reaching 87°F (31°C).

Corydon is about 20 miles (32 km) west of Louisville, Kentucky, and about 137 miles (220 km) south of Indianapolis, Indiana. To reach Corydon by car, take I-64 to Exit 105 for SR-135. From further north, take I-65 to I-265 to I-64 West, then follow SR-135 south into town. There is no direct bus from Indianapolis; take a bus to Louisville and then transfer to a local bus service to Corydon. The total journey takes around 3 hours and 24 minutes.

In Corydon, the historic downtown area is walkable. For those driving, semi-truck parking is available at the Walmart Supercenter on Hwy 135 and at the Harrison County Fairgrounds. The Fred Cammack Corydon Farmers Market operates every Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, from May 1st to October 30th, at 124 S. Mulberry St.