Today In History
5 Fun Facts About October 26 In Indiana History
1. In 1824, the first steam-powered ferry began operating on the Ohio River between Vevay, Indiana and Ghent, Kentucky. The ferry was built by James Reilly and was called the "Enterprise." 2. In 1922, the Indiana University Memorial Union was dedicated in Bloomington. The Union was built as a memorial...
5 Fun Facts About October 25 In Indiana History
1. In 1825, Indiana Governor James Brown Ray signed a law authorizing the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal, a transportation route that would run through the state and connect the Ohio River to Lake Erie. The canal played a significant role in the state's economic development, facilitating the...
5 Fun Facts About October 24 In Indiana History
1. On October 24, 1861, Oliver P. Morton was inaugurated as the 14th Governor of Indiana. Morton is known for his support of the Union during the Civil War and his efforts to recruit soldiers for the Union Army. 2. In 1914, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway held its first race...
5 Fun Facts About October 23 In Indiana History
Here are five interesting facts about October 23 in Indiana history: 1. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln visited Indianapolis on October 23 as part of his campaign for the presidency. He delivered a speech at the State Fairgrounds, which attracted thousands of people from all over Indiana. 2. On October 23,...
5 Fun Facts About October 22 In Indiana History
1. In 1906, a devastating tornado struck the town of Martinsville, Indiana, killing 14 people and destroying numerous buildings. It remains one of the deadliest tornadoes in Indiana history. 2. In 1915, the Indiana Hoosiers football team played their first game at Memorial Stadium, defeating the Northwestern Wildcats 7-0. The...
5 Fun Facts About October 21 In Indiana History
1. On October 21, 1861, the Battle of Ball's Bluff took place in Virginia, but it had a significant impact on Indiana. The battle resulted in the death of Colonel Edward D. Baker, who was a close friend of President Abraham Lincoln and a former U.S. Senator from Oregon. He...
5 Fun Facts About October 20 In Indiana History
1. In 1921, the first radio broadcast from Indiana University was aired on October 20th. It was a speech given by IU President William Lowe Bryan and transmitted from the university's electrical laboratory. 2. On October 20, 1865, the first train arrived in Lafayette, Indiana, on the newly constructed Lafayette...
5 Fun Facts About October 19 In Indiana History
1. In 1825, the first Indiana State Fair was held in Indianapolis. The fair was originally intended to showcase agricultural products and machinery, but it has since evolved into a diverse celebration of Indiana culture, traditions, and entertainment. 2. The famous Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley was born on October...
5 Fun Facts About October 18 In Indiana History
1. In 1866, the Purdue University was founded in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is known for offering a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in fields like engineering, technology, and agriculture. 2. On October 18, 1906, businessman and philanthropist John H. Holliday donated $50,000 to the city of...
5 Fun Facts About October 17 In Indiana History
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...
5 Fun Facts About October 16 In Indiana History
1. In 1854, the Indiana State University in Terre Haute was officially established, becoming the first public higher education institution in the state. Today, the university serves over 13,000 students and has a strong reputation for its programs in education, business, and technology. 2. On October 16, 1902, the Indianapolis...
5 Fun Facts About October 15 In Indiana History
1. On October 15, 1810, future Indiana governor James Whitcomb was born in Windsor, Massachusetts. Whitcomb served as the state's governor from 1843-1848 and was a staunch supporter of public education and internal improvements. 2. In 1892, the Great North Woods Fire broke out near the Indiana border in Michigan....