Indiana is a Midwestern state known as the 'Crossroads of America,' celebrated for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indiana Dunes National Park along Lake Michigan, a vibrant craft brewing scene, and rich Native American and Civil War history. From the urban energy of Indianapolis to the rolling hills of Brown County and the sand dunes of the Lake Michigan shoreline, Indiana offers surprising variety for travelers.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Indiana.
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1
French explorer La Salle enters Indiana via the St. Joseph River
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2
British take control of Indiana territory after French and Indian War
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3
Battle of Fallen Timbers; Fort Wayne established by General Anthony Wayne
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4
Battle of Tippecanoe — General Harrison defeats Native American confederation near present-day Lafayette
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5
Indiana becomes the 19th US state; Lincoln family moves to Little Pigeon Creek
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6
Abraham Lincoln leaves Indiana for Illinois at age 21
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7
Morgan's Raiders make the northernmost Confederate incursion into Indiana
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8
US Steel establishes Gary, Indiana
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9
Indianapolis Motor Speedway opens
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10
First Indianapolis 500 race
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11
Indiana centennial celebrations
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12
Baltimore Colts NFL team relocated to Indianapolis
Historical sites
Places where Indiana's past comes alive.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
Where: Lincoln City, Indiana
Admission: $5 adults (USD); under 16 free; Annual Pass accepted
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Where: Fishers, Indiana
Admission: $22 adults (USD), $16 children (USD)
Historic Fort Wayne
Where: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Admission: $5 adults (USD); children free
Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Where: Evansville, Indiana
Admission: $5 adults (USD), $3 children 5–12 (USD)
Tippecanoe Battlefield
Where: Battle Ground, Indiana
Admission: $7 adults (USD), $4 children 5–12 (USD); battlefield trail free
Corydon Capitol State Historic Site
Where: Corydon, Indiana
Admission: $4 adults (USD), $2 children 5–12 (USD)