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Journey back in time to Indiana, USA

Visit Indiana, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.

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Indiana, USA -  Indiana, USA - Vinco Herb Tablets, A Laxative Vinco Herb Company, Lafayette, Ind.  Found at The Way It Was Museum, Virginia City, Nevada

True to its motto, "Cross Roads of America" Indiana has more miles of Interstate Highway per square mile than any other state.

Indiana's shoreline with Lake Michigan is only 40 miles long, but Indiana is still considered a Great Lakes State.

Deep below the earth in Southern Indiana is a sea of limestone that is one of the richest deposits of top-quality limestone found anywhere on earth. New York City's Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center as well as the Pentagon, the U.S. Treasury, a dozen other government buildings in Washington D.C. as well as 14 state capitols around the nation are built from this sturdy, beautiful Indiana limestone.

50states.com

Vincennes, Indiana hosts and annual clown parade.



There is MUCH more to discover about Indiana, USA. Read on!

Indiana Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Indiana, USA - Vinco Herb Tablets, A Laxative
Vinco Herb Company, Lafayette, Ind.

Found at The Way It Was Museu
Indiana, USA

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Vinco Herb Tablets, A Laxative
Vinco Herb Company, Lafayette, Ind.

Found at The Way It Was Museum, Virginia City, Nevada
Indiana, USA - 1890s C. G. Conn
Wonder Band Instruments
Worcester, Mass.
Elkhart, Ind.
Indiana, USA

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1890s C. G. Conn
Wonder Band Instruments
Worcester, Mass.
Elkhart, Ind.
Indiana, USA - First M. E. Church, Noblesville, Ind.
Indiana, USA

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First M. E. Church, Noblesville, Ind.
Indiana, USA - Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA 
Indiana World War Memorial and Plaza
Indiana, USA

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Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Indiana World War Memorial and Plaza
Indiana, USA - Library Building, Hanover College, Hanover, IN
Indiana, USA

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Library Building, Hanover College, Hanover, IN
Indiana, USA - Flag of Indiana
Adopted May 11, 1917
Indiana, USA
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Flag of Indiana
Adopted May 11, 1917

Discover Indiana: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1679 - The first European known to have visited Indiana was French Explorer Rene'-Robert Cavalier sierur de La Salle. After LaSalle and others explored the Great Lakes region, the land was claimed for New France, a nation based in Canada.

www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ indiana.html
1779 - George Rogers Clark's capture of Vincennes, Indiana, confirms U.S. control in Midwest.

The World Almanac of the U.S.A, by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, 1996
1816 - Indiana became 19th U. S. state; Jonathan Jennings first Governor; Abraham Lincoln and family moved to Indiana

www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ intimeln.htm
1833 - Good Advice
It is better to tread the path of life cheerfully, skipping lightly over the thorns and briars that obstruct your way than to sit down under every hedge lamenting your hard fate. The thread of a cheerful man's life spins out longer than that of a man who is continually sad and disponding. Prudent conduct in the concerns of life is highly necessary, but if distress succeed, dejection and despair will not afford relief. The best thing to be done when evil comes upon us, is not lamentation but action; not to set and suffer, but rise and seek the remedy.
Richmond Weekly Palladium
Richmond, Indiana
Sat, September 28, 1833
1889 - Standard Oil Co. built refinery in Whiting

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1895 - Indiana
Indiana, in de-an', a state of the American Union, extending from Lake Michigan to the Ohio River, bounded on the N. by Lake Michigan and the state of Michigan, on the E. by Ohio, on the S.E. and S. by Kentucky, and on the W. by Illinois. Its northern limit is the parallel of 41° 46 N. lat. Its eastern line runs due N. from the mouth of the Great Miami River; the Ohio River separates it from Kentucky, and the Wabash from Illinois, below the point where that river first reaches the meridian of 87°8" W., which meridian is the western boundary of the state from that point northward to Lake Michigan. Area, 36,350 square miles...

The population in 1800 was 5641, of which 4875 were within the present state limits; in 1810, 24,520, chiefly in the present limits; in 1815, 60,074; in 1820, 147,178; in 1825, 224,717; in 1830, 343,031; in 1835, 485,053; in 1840, 685,866; in 1845, 823,410; in 1850, 988,416; in 1854, 1,143,905; in 1860, 1,350,428; in 1866, 1,531,080; in 1870, 1,680,637; in... Read MORE...


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1906 - U. S. Steel Company built plant, founded Gary, Indiana
In 1906, the U.S. Steel Corporation, under the leadership of industrial magnate J.P. Morgan, embarked on a monumental project to build a new steel plant and establish the city of Gary, Indiana. The location was strategically chosen due to its proximity to Lake Michigan and the abundant resources in the region, which were ideal for steel production. The construction of the plant was part of a broader effort by U.S. Steel to expand its manufacturing capacity and dominate the steel industry in the United States.

The founding of Gary was directly tied to the needs of the steel plant, and the city was meticulously planned to support the industrial workforce. Named after Elbert Henry Gary, the chairman of U.S. Steel, the city quickly grew as workers and their families moved in to take advantage of the employment opportunities. Gary became a quintessential company town, with U.S. Steel playing a central role in its development, providing housing, schools, and other essential... Read MORE...

1911 - First Indy 500 auto race occurred
The inaugural Indianapolis 500, commonly known as the Indy 500, took place on May 30, 1911, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This event marked a significant milestone in motorsport history, establishing the Indy 500 as one of the premier auto racing events globally. Conceived by Carl G. Fisher, the race aimed to test the endurance and speed of both cars and drivers. The 1911 race attracted a diverse field of 40 competitors, featuring a variety of car manufacturers and innovative automotive designs.

Ray Harroun emerged victorious in this historic race, driving a Marmon Wasp. His innovative use of a rearview mirror, which allowed him to race without a riding mechanic, became a notable feature of his win. Harroun completed the 500-mile race in just under seven hours, averaging about 75 miles per hour. This victory not only secured his place in racing history but also highlighted the importance of technological advancements in automotive design.
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1925 - Tri-State tornado struck Indiana, Illinois, Missouri; many dead
The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 stands as one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history. On March 18, 1925, a massive and unprecedented tornado tore through parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, leaving a devastating trail of destruction in its wake. This monstrous tornado, estimated to have reached F5 intensity, carved a path over 219 miles long and up to a mile wide, wreaking havoc for approximately three and a half hours. It obliterated entire towns, such as Murphysboro, Illinois, and Gorham, Missouri, and left a swath of destruction that included homes, schools, and businesses.

The human toll was staggering, with 695 people killed and over 2,000 injured. The sheer scale of the devastation overwhelmed local communities, prompting a massive response effort to aid the victims and rebuild the shattered towns.
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1937 - Ohio River flooded causing severe damage in southern Indiana
In January 1937, the Ohio River experienced a catastrophic flood that caused severe damage across multiple states, with southern Indiana being one of the hardest-hit areas. Heavy rainfall, which began in late December 1936, continued unabated into January, resulting in the river reaching unprecedented levels. By the end of January, the river had crested at over 53 feet in Evansville, Indiana, more than 19 feet above the flood stage. This deluge inundated towns, destroyed homes, and led to significant loss of life and property.

Southern Indiana communities faced devastating consequences as the floodwaters swept through, submerging entire neighborhoods and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. Infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and railways, was severely damaged, complicating rescue and relief efforts.
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2023 - There's something for everyone in the Hoosier State. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Indiana:
1. Indianapolis

Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Home to the famous Indy 500 race, you can take a tour of the track and even visit the Hall of Fame Museum.

Children's Museum of Indianapolis: One of the largest children's museums in the world, it's a great place for families.

White River State Park: A beautiful urban park with a canal for paddle boating, museums, and green spaces.

2. Brown County

Brown County State Park: Known as the "Little Smokies," this park offers hiking, horseback riding, and stunning fall foliage.

Nashville: A charming town known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and unique crafts.

3. Bloomington

Indiana University: Explore the beautiful campus, attend a sports event, or visit the Indiana University Art Museum.

Hoosier National Forest: Great for hiking and camping.

4. South Bend

University of Notre Dame: Take a tour of this iconic university and visit the beautiful Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Studebaker National Museum:... Read MORE...

Discover MY Roots: Indiana Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Indiana, USA

We currently have information about 238 ancestors who were born or died in Indiana.

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Ancestors Who Were Married in Indiana, USA

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Genealogy Resources for Indiana

Our Indiana Gift Ideas

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Hoosier Hilarity: Indiana Basketball and Cornfield Mug

Step into the heart of the Hoosier state with our Indiana-inspired ceramic mug, proudly proclaiming, "I'm from Indiana! That explains a lot about my love for basketball rivalries that divide families and cornfield mazes that reunite them." Perfect for anyone with Indiana roots or a love for the state's quirky culture, this mug is a tribute to the joys and jests of life in the Midwest.

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug

Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
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Updated: 6/19/2024 8:06:29 AM