1. On December 21, 1816, Indiana became the 19th state in the United States. In honor of this historic event, December 21 is now celebrated as Indiana Statehood Day.
2. In 1839, the Wabash and Erie Canal opened for use in Indiana. This canal system connected the Great Lakes to the Ohio River and served as a major transportation route for goods and people. The Wabash and Erie Canal was instrumental in the economic development of Indiana and helped make it the successful state it is today.
3. On December 21, 1861, the Battle of Rowlett's Station took place in Kentucky, just across the state line from Indiana. Indiana soldiers fought alongside other Union forces to repel Confederate troops who were attempting to capture a railroad depot. The Union victory prevented the Confederate army from gaining control of the surrounding area and was a significant event in the early stages of the Civil War.
4. In 1915, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was sold to businessman Anton Hulman for $750,000. Hulman transformed the Speedway into the iconic racing venue it is today, hosting the annual Indianapolis 500 and other high-profile motorsports events. December 21 marks the beginning of Hulman's legacy at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
5. On December 21, 1979, the Gurneyville Historic District in New Harmony, Indiana was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This small town on the banks of the Wabash River was once home to two communal utopian societies in the 19th century. The Gurneyville Historic District includes several well-preserved historic buildings and landmarks from this era, providing a glimpse into the unique social and cultural experiments that took place in Indiana's past.