1. In 1852, the first major railroad in Indiana opened, connecting Madison with Indianapolis. This allowed for faster and more efficient transportation of goods and people throughout the state.
2. On July 27, 1895, the first automobile race in Indiana took place in Crown Point. The event was organized by the Chicago Times-Herald newspaper and featured a 54-mile race between six vehicles.
3. The town of Santa Claus, Indiana, was established on July 27, 1856. Originally named Santa Fe, the town changed its name in 1852 to embrace its festive identity.
4. On July 27, 1900, the electric chair was first used in Indiana for the execution of William Taylor. Previously, hangings were the main method of execution in the state.
5. In 1945, on July 27, the USS Indianapolis was sunk by a Japanese submarine. Over 300 of the crew survived the initial sinking, but due to communication failures and delays in rescue efforts, only 316 out of 1,195 survived to be rescued four days later.