Today In History
5 Fun Facts About May 23 In Indiana History
1. On May 23, 1934, notorious bank robber John Dillinger was shot and killed outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago, Illinois. Dillinger was from Indiana and his gang had committed several bank robberies and jail breaks in the state. 2. The Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious car races...
5 Fun Facts About May 22 In Indiana History
1. The Indianapolis 500 was first held on May 30, 1911, but the race was moved to May 31 in 1912 and then to May 30 again in 1913. It wasn't until 1922 that the race was permanently scheduled for the Sunday before Memorial Day, which is typically around May...
5 Fun Facts About May 21 In Indiana History
1. On May 21, 1955, Chuck Marlowe won the Indianapolis 500 race. He was the starting driver of the 33-car race and completed it in 3 hours, 41 minutes, and 59.6 seconds. Marlowe was known for his skillful driving technique and his ability to intuitively predict the movements of other...
5 Fun Facts About May 20 In Indiana History
1. First Gas BBQ Grill: The very first gas grill was invented and patented by George Stephen of Weber-Stephen Products Co. in Indiana on May 20, 1980. It revolutionized the barbeque world and is now considered the standard for outdoor cooking. 2. Hoosier Poet: James Whitcomb Riley, an Indiana native,...
5 Fun Facts About May 19 In Indiana History
1. Indiana became a state: On May 19, 1816, Indiana officially became the 19th state of the United States. Prior to gaining statehood, Indiana was a territory for nearly 14 years. 2. The first Indianapolis 500: The first Indianapolis 500, one of the most famous car races in the world,...
5 Fun Facts About May 18 In Indiana History
1. In 1940, the Indianapolis 500 was held on May 18th for only the second time in its history. Wilbur Shaw won his second consecutive race, driving an Maserati car. 2. On May 18, 1954, the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling in the landmark case Brown v. Board...
5 Fun Facts About May 17 In Indiana History
1. Indiana became a state May 17, 1816, marked a milestone in Indiana's history as the state became the 19th state of the United States of America. This day has been celebrated as Statehood Day since 1925. 2. First Indianapolis 500 race The first Indianapolis 500 race took place on...
5 Fun Facts About May 16 In Indiana History
1. In 1823, the Treaty of St. Joseph was signed between the United States and the Miami tribe. The treaty ceded a large portion of Miami land in present-day Indiana to the U.S. government. 2. On May 16, 1857, the first Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway....
5 Fun Facts About May 15 In Indiana History
1. Indiana becomes a state: On May 15, 1816, Indiana became the 19th state of the United States. The state was carved out of the Northwest Territory, which had been ceded to the federal government at the end of the Revolutionary War. 2. Indianapolis 500: The first Indianapolis 500 was...
5 Fun Facts About May 14 In Indiana History
1. Indiana became a state on May 14, 1816. Prior to this, it was a part of the Indiana Territory that was established by the United States Congress in 1800. 2. The first electric street lights in Fort Wayne, Indiana were lit on May 14, 1880. The electric lights replaced...
5 Fun Facts About May 13 In Indiana History
1. In 1939, the Last Public Hanging in Indiana Occurred On May 13, 1939, the last public hanging in Indiana took place in Crown Point. A man named John R. Johnson was executed for the murder of a sheriff in Hammond. 2. Indianapolis 500's First Race Was on May 13,...
5 Fun Facts About May 12 In Indiana History
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...