Today In History
5 Fun Facts About February 23 In Indiana History
1. On February 23, 1822, the Indiana General Assembly approved the creation of Monroe County. The county was named after James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. 2. In 1903, the first automobile race took place in Indiana. The race, which took place at the newly-built Indianapolis Motor...
5 Fun Facts About February 22 In Indiana History
1. On February 22, 1828, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law authorizing the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal. This canal would become the longest canal ever built in North America, stretching 468 miles from Toledo, Ohio to Evansville, Indiana. 2. In 1861, on February 22, Indiana Governor...
5 Fun Facts About February 21 In Indiana History
1. The first high school basketball tournament was held on February 21, 1911 in Crawfordsville, Indiana. The tournament included eight teams and was won by Frankfort High School. 2. On February 21, 1885, the first electric streetcar in Indiana began operation in Indianapolis. The streetcar system quickly expanded and helped...
5 Fun Facts About February 20 In Indiana History
Here are 5 interesting facts about February 20 in Indiana history: 1. In 1924, the first state cross-country championship was held in Indiana. The event took place in Muncie, with runners from 22 different schools competing. 2. On February 20, 1946, future NBA player and Hall of Famer Larry Bird...
5 Fun Facts About February 19 In Indiana History
1. In 1803, the Indiana Territory was officially created by an act of Congress. The territory included not only what would eventually become the state of Indiana, but also parts of Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. 2. On February 19, 1861, Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton addressed the state legislature...
5 Fun Facts About February 18 In Indiana History
1. In 1851, the Indiana Constitution was revised to remove a clause that prohibited African Americans from living in the state. This revision was a significant step forward for civil rights in Indiana. 2. On February 18, 1861, Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the President of the Confederate States of...
5 Fun Facts About February 17 In Indiana History
1. In 1791, the Indiana Territory was officially established by the United States government, marking the beginning of Indiana's path towards statehood. 2. On February 17, 1809, future United States President Abraham Lincoln was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Lincoln played a pivotal role in ending slavery and preserving the Union...
5 Fun Facts About February 16 In Indiana History
1. On February 16, 1919, Indiana ratified the 18th Amendment, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. The state was the 26th to ratify the amendment, making it effective nationwide. 2. In 1937, the Indiana General Assembly approved the first state gas tax...
5 Fun Facts About February 15 In Indiana History
1. In 1912, Indianapolis held its first automobile race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race, dubbed the "International 500-Mile Sweepstakes," would eventually become the iconic Indy 500. 2. On February 15, 1820, the U.S. Congress passed the "Land Act of 1820," which allowed settlers to purchase land in Indiana...
5 Fun Facts About February 14 In Indiana History
1. Indiana's First Governor's Birthday: February 14 marks the birthday of Jonathan Jennings, the first governor of Indiana. He served as governor from 1816 to 1822 and helped shape the state's early political and social framework. 2. Indiana Achieves Statehood: February 14, 1818 was a significant day in Indiana history,...
5 Fun Facts About February 13 In Indiana History
1. On February 13, 1978, Indiana experienced the second-largest snowstorm in the state's history, with up to 20 inches of snow falling in some areas. This massive storm caused widespread power outages and disrupted travel throughout Indiana. 2. February 13, 1861 was a significant day in Indiana's history, as it...
5 Fun Facts About February 12 In Indiana History
1. Abraham Lincoln's Childhood Home - On February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky. However, in 1816, his family moved to southern Indiana where they lived until 1830. The Lincoln family’s first home in Indiana, known as the Lincoln Pioneer Village and Museum, is located in Rockport, Indiana,...