1. In 1937, the town of Cumberland experienced a major flood on May 12, known as the Great Flood of 1937. The White River crested at 36.4 feet, causing widespread damage and displacing thousands of residents.

2. On May 12, 1816, Indiana was admitted as the 19th state in the United States. This event marked a significant milestone in Indiana's history and set the stage for its growth and development as a state.

3. In 1863, during the Civil War, the Battle of Raymond was fought in Mississippi. Many soldiers from Indiana were involved in this battle, which was a key victory for the Union Army and helped pave the way for their eventual success in the war.

4. On May 12, 1950, the Indianapolis 500 was held for the 34th time. This iconic race draws thousands of visitors to Indiana each year and is a major part of the state's cultural heritage.

5. In 1992, the city of Gary, Indiana, experienced a devastating tornado on May 12. The tornado was rated as an F4 on the Fujita scale, which measures the intensity of tornadoes. It caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in the city and was a major disaster for the community.