A new Indiana state historical marker was unveiled today at the new Lilly Event Center commemorating Eli Lilly and Company’s far-reaching contributions to medical science and healthcare. Over the past 150 years, the company has evolved from a small pharmaceutical business to a global industry leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation. The marker unveiled today is one of two signs. The state marker will be installed soon at 28 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, near the site of Lilly’s original laboratory. The second marker, which features a slightly different design and text, will be installed near the Replica Building at the Lilly Corporate Center at 893 S. Delaware St., Indianapolis.

The text, which appears below the marker headline “Eli Lilly and Company,” reads as follows:

Colonel Eli Lilly, a trained chemist and Civil War veteran, founded the company on May 10, 1876, near here on Pearl St. to create effective, high-quality medicines — revolutionary in an era of untested remedies. His son and grandsons ran the firm until 1953, transforming it into a global company delivering innovative medicines to improve patients’ lives. The company’s first breakthrough came in 1923 with the mass production of the world’s first commercial insulin. Lilly manufactured critical products such as penicillin and the polio vaccine and developed vital medicines such as Oncovin, Keflex, Humulin, Prozac and Mounjaro. While expanding across the globe, Lilly has remained deeply rooted in the Indianapolis community.

"When Colonel Eli Lilly founded this company, reliable medicine was a rare thing — and suffering that didn't have to exist often did. He believed science could change that. One hundred and fifty years later, it still can," said Dave Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO. "We're proud to have that story etched in stone, and even prouder to still be writing it."

State historical markers commemorate significant individuals, organizations, places, and events in Indiana history. These markers help communities throughout the state promote, preserve, and present their history for the education and enjoyment of residents and tourists of all ages. For over 100 years, the Indiana Historical Bureau, a division of the Indiana State Library, has been marking Indiana history. Since 1946, the marker format has been the large roadside marker, which has the familiar dark blue background with gold lettering and the outline of the state of Indiana at the top. Nearly 800 of these markers have been installed over the years. This marker is one of more than 100 markers in Marion County. For a listing of all markers in Marion County and statewide, click here.

For more information about the Indiana Historical Marker Program, including details on this marker, a listing of other markers in the state, or other resources about Indiana history, visit the Indiana Historical Bureau’s website at http://www.IN.gov/history or call 317-232-2537.