Broad Ripple (Indianapolis, Indiana)

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Pioneers began settling the area around 1821, but the town was not heavily populated until around 1836 after the construction of the Central Canal began. The term "Broad Ripple" was first documented in the will of Jacob Coil, who has been credited with the establishment of the town. Coil named the area such because the "ripple in the river at this point was the largest and widest in the county."

Broad Ripple enjoyed a boom from the canal construction and gained population with the addition of a number of railroad lines that were built from 1847 on. Broad Ripple continued its growth throughout the 19th century, but could not keep up with its growing neighbor to the south, the City of Indianapolis, and the formerly separate town was engulfed by Indianapolis in the early 20th century.

Since 1999, Broad Ripple has been one of Indianapolis' seven Cultural Districts, designated in 1999. Today, Broad Ripple is home to numerous bars and nightclubs, serving as one of Indianapolis' top neighborhoods for nightlife.

Notable landmarks include Broad Ripple Park, Indianapolis Art Center and Ruth Lilly Library, and the Monon Trail.