Turner organizations in America were first formed by German immigrants in 1848. These groups were based upon the political, cultural, and athletic Turner societies which had existed in Germany since the Napoleanic Wars. The first Turner society in Indianapolis, Indiana was the Socialister Turnerbund formed in 1850. When plans for establishing a branch of the Socialer Turnverein on the south side of the city progressed too slowly, south side residents created their own organization. The Southside Turnverein was founded 24 September 1893. The group flourished and in 1900 the South Side Turnverein built a hall complete with a gymansium and meeting rooms at 306 Prospect Street. This hall served the Indianapolis south side community for over 75 years until its sale in 1977. Although the organization relocated, the South Side Turners remain active in 1994.