1. In 1862, the Battle of Antietam claimed the lives of many Indiana soldiers. The battle was one of the bloodiest in American history and took place during the Civil War.

2. On September 17, 1907, the Indiana State Fair opened in Indianapolis. The fair brought together people from all over the state to showcase farming and agricultural products and engage in friendly competition.

3. The Indiana Museum of Art officially opened its doors on September 17, 1902. Since then, the museum has become a well-known cultural landmark in the state, showcasing a diverse collection of art from around the world.

4. In 1961, the first major league baseball game was played in Indianapolis, making history for the state. The head-to-head match between the Milwaukee Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies was held at Bush Stadium in front of a crowd of 14,000 spectators.

5. On September 17, 1965, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway made history when A.J. Foyt won the first ever USAC Championship race held at the iconic track. Foyt went on to become one of the most prominent drivers in the history of the speedway, winning four Indianapolis 500 titles during his career.