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The Israel House at 142 West Main bears a plaque that says "During the 1840-60 period this hotel and restaurant was the congregating place for men of commerce and industry. In addition to river captains and their families notable visitors were: Gen. Winfield Scott, Daniel Webster, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, Wm. H. Harrison, Benj. Harrison, Zachary Taylor and many others. A huge bell called the community to every function from meals to war." I don't know how many buildings in Indiana have hosted five U.S. Presidents, but my guess is that the number is small. The plaque states that Israel House dates from 1830, though a walking tour brochure called "Historic Architecture in Downtown New Albany, Indiana" lists a date of 1842.
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