1. Indiana Becomes a State: On July 2, 1816, Indiana officially became the 19th state in the United States. The state was carved out of the Northwest Territory, and the Constitution of Indiana was adopted on this day.

2. The Underground Railroad: Indiana played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom. July 2, 1862, marked the arrival of the first group of refugees to the town of Ligonier who had escaped from Kentucky via the Underground Railroad.

3. Birth of Dan Quayle: Dan Quayle was born in Indianapolis on July 2, 1947. Quayle served as the 44th Vice President of the United States under President George H. W. Bush from 1989 to 1993.

4. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Created: On July 2, 1966, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was established. Located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the park spans 15 miles and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Midwest.

5. First Public School in Indiana: The first public school in Indiana was established in Vincennes on July 2, 1806. The school was founded by William Henry Harrison, who would later become the ninth President of the United States.