A look at the first land sales in Indianapolis

Yes, but: Harrison was the only commissioner who showed up, so he moved forward without his colleagues.

• He would hire surveyors Alexander Ralston and Elias P. Fordham to plat the town. The former assisted with the survey and platting of Washington, D.C.

Zoom in: The Oct. 8, 1821 land sale was advertised in June 1821 and took place at Matthias Nowland's cabin.

• Taverns in the area were completely full to accommodate potential buyers, and many either stayed in private homes or camped out.

By the numbers: Jesse McKay made the first purchase in the weeklong sale, paying $152.75 for lot 3 in square 70 near the intersection of Washington and Missouri streets.

• John Carr, the state agent in charge of the sales, paid the most for any lot when he dropped $572 for lot 12 in square 57 at the corner of Washington and Delaware streets.
• A total of 314 lots were sold.

Between the lines: Money from the sales would be used for public buildings, including the construction of the clerk's office, the governor's mansion in Monument Circle, a house and office for the state treasurer, the first Marion County courthouse and the first Statehouse.

• Funds also supported the first state prison in Jeffersonville.