1. On August 5, 1861, Camp Morton was established in Indianapolis as a training camp for Union soldiers during the Civil War. The camp also served as a prisoner of war camp for Confederate soldiers and political prisoners.

2. In 1915, on August 5, the first professional basketball game was played in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The game was between the Fort Wayne "Dutch" Kautskys and the New York Original Celtics.

3. August 5, 1950, marked the opening of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum. The museum features collections of cars and memorabilia from many famous drivers, including A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti.

4. In 1963, on this day, President John F. Kennedy visited Evansville, Indiana, to speak at the Vanderburgh County Coliseum. He discussed the importance of local government and federal funding for education and infrastructure.

5. August 5, 1974, was the date when a tornado outbreak swept through several areas of Indiana, causing significant damage and loss of life. The most severe tornadoes hit the towns of Monticello and Anderson, killing 47 people between them.