Some of Indiana's important and most memorable dates in history!
In 1679 Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle was the first European to explore what is now Indiana.
In the American Revolution; on February 25, 1779, the British surrendered to George Rogers Clark at Vincennes, Indiana
The U.S. Congress in 1787 of this ordinance established the Northwest Territory.
On October 26 1803, Lewis and Clark set out on their famous expedition west from the southern Indiana town of Clarksville, IN.
The resolution admitting Indiana as the 19th state, "into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, in all respects whatever" was signed by President James Madison on December 11, 1816, which has been celebrated as Indiana's birthday ever since. Indiana Day, December 11Scottish Philanthropist Robert Owen attempts to establish the perfect society in 1825 at New Harmony.
In 1827, Hanover College is founded -- Indiana¹s first private institute for higher learning. From 1827 to 1847, over 2,000 fugitive slaves were sheltered at the home of Levi Coffin.
In 1830, The National Road is completed through Indiana.
In 1839, Weinzaepflen Roman cames to Indiana, 1840 he is ordained priest at Vincennes.
His brother Michael Weinzaepflen cames to, he fond the Weinzapfel familly in Indiana .
Antoine came also 1849, 2 years later go back to Ungersheim (France, Alsace).
August 17, 1859 -- an airballon lifts off in Lafayette carrying the nation's first delivery of U.S Mail.
The famous steamboat -- Robert E. Lee was built in New Albany in 1866.
Wabash, IN was the first city in the U.S. to have electric street lights in 1880.
James Whitcomb Riley writes ³Little Orphan Annie² in 1885.In 1900, Pulitzer prize winning journalist Ernie Pyle was born in Dana, Indiana.
Madame Walker Hair Products established in 1910.
Fort Benjamin Harrison established in 1903.
In 1913, "On the Banks of the Wabash" is named the official song of Indiana.
Teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa born in Brazil, IN in 1913.
Cole Proter writes his first musical in 1916.
In 1920, George Gipp was Notre Dame's first All-American.
Paris becomes Cole Porter's first Broadway success in 1928.
In 1940, Robert L. Brokenburr becomes Indiana¹s first African-American state senator.During World War II, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company build the world's largest gun powder plant in Charlestown.
In 1954, the first transistor radio was manufactured in Indianapolis.
In 1956, Hoosier actor James Dean co-stars with Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson in the movie Giant.
July 21, 1961 -- Virgil Gus Grissom was the first Hoosier in space aboard the Liberty Bell 7. The flight took 15 minutes and soard 118.2 miles into space.
What's a Hoosier? Many believe the word originated from the early pioneers who would greet night callers with the expression, "Who's yere?" Others believe the word comes from "Hoosier's Men" referring to canal builder Sam Hoosier who preferred hiring men living north of the Ohio River instead of south. Let's meet some of them! Artists, writers, entertainers, sports legends, astronauts, you would be surprised how many famous people have called Indiana, "Home".
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