Book excerpt: In the late 1800s, postcards of Indianapolis began appearing in mailboxes throughout the country. Since that time, the many prominent monuments, buildings, and parks of the Hoosier capital have been featured on countless cards. Using an impressive collection of these images, author W.C. Madden takes the reader on an historic journey through Indianapolis from 1890 to 1950, providing a visual history of the development of the city. Indianapolis experienced great growth during the first half of the 20th century, which gave rise to innovative art and architectural structures, many that serve as the subject of postcards featured here. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Indiana World War Memorial, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Union Station, and Claypool Hotel, to name a few, are all highlighted.