1. In 1810, the Treaty of Fort Wayne was signed in which several Native American tribes ceded land to the United States government. This land acquisition was a significant event in the state's history, as it opened up more land for settlement and expansion.

2. On October 17, 1860, the first train arrived in Indianapolis after a nine-hour journey from Madison, Indiana. This marked the beginning of the railway system in the state, which played a crucial role in transportation and commerce.

3. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra made its debut on October 17, 1930. The orchestra has since become a staple of the city's cultural scene, and has performed with renowned conductors and soloists from around the world.

4. Indiana's first astronaut, Gus Grissom, was born on October 17, 1926, in Mitchell, Indiana. Grissom went on to become one of the original NASA Mercury Seven astronauts, and later flew on the Gemini III and Apollo I missions before his death in a tragic launchpad fire.

5. In 1979, the Indiana Pacers basketball team played their first game at their new home arena, Market Square Arena. The Pacers went on to play at Market Square for more than 25 years, winning multiple championships and entertaining millions of fans in the process.