1. First state to declare July 4 a holiday: Indiana was the first state to pass legislation making July 4th an official state holiday in 1825. The day was declared a holiday to honor the birthday of the state's founding father.

2. Indiana played a key role in the American Revolution: Indiana may not have been a state during the American Revolution, but its residents played a vital role in the war. Many Indiana residents served in the Continental Army and some even fought alongside George Washington at Valley Forge.

3. Birthplace of Vice President Schulyer Colfax: Schulyer Colfax, the 17th Vice President of the United States, was born in New York, but spent most of his life in Indiana. Colfax was a staunch abolitionist and worked tirelessly to pass the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.

4. President Benjamin Harrison's birthplace: The 23rd President of the United States, Benjamin Harrison, was born in North Bend, Ohio, but spent much of his early life in Indiana. Harrison was a war hero and the only president to hail from the Hoosier State.

5. Indiana's connection to the Liberty Bell: The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of America's independence, has a connection to Indiana. In 1950, the bell was brought to Indianapolis as part of a nationwide tour. Over 750,000 Hoosiers came to see the bell during its stay in Indiana.