1. Columbus Day: October 12 is celebrated as Columbus Day in Indiana and across the United States to recognize the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492. Despite controversy surrounding Columbus and his treatment of indigenous populations, the holiday remains a federal holiday and is celebrated annually.

2. Thomas Marshall's Birthday: Thomas Riley Marshall, the 28th Vice President of the United States, was born in North Manchester, Indiana on October 12, 1854. He served under President Woodrow Wilson from 1913-1921 and famously quipped that "What this country needs is a good five-cent cigar" during his tenure.

3. 1963 Indiana Tornado Outbreak: October 12, 1963 saw a devastating tornado outbreak in Indiana, with 37 tornadoes striking the state in a single day. The deadliest of these was an EF4 tornado that hit Rochester, Indiana, killing 12 people and injuring over 100. The outbreak remains one of the deadliest in Indiana history.

4. National Football League: On October 12, 1930, the first ever National Football League (NFL) game was played in the state of Indiana. The Frankford Yellow Jackets defeated the Chicago Cardinals 7-6 at Normal Field in Hammond, Indiana. The NFL has since grown to become one of the most popular sports leagues in the world.

5. The Indianapolis 500: While the Indianapolis 500 is held annually in May, the inaugural race was actually held on October 12, 1911, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ray Harroun won the race in his Marmon "Wasp" car, which featured a rearview mirror, a first for automobile racing. The race has since become one of the most prestigious events in all of motorsports.