1. Indiana became a state on December 11, 1816, and December 23 of that year was the first time the state legislature met in Indianapolis, which would become the state capital.

2. On December 23, 1823, Fort Wayne, Indiana was officially named a town. It was originally built as a military fort during the American Indian Wars.

3. The Indiana School for the Deaf was founded on December 23, 1843, in Indianapolis. It was the first school in the United States dedicated to the education of deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

4. On December 23, 1913, the Indianapolis 500 announced it would be held annually on the Memorial Day weekend, beginning the following year. The race has since become one of the most famous automotive events in the world.

5. Legendary basketball coach Bobby Knight won his 500th career victory on December 23, 1989, as his Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Knight is considered one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history.