Population: 6 516.922 thousand people (2011)
Area: 94321.0 sq. km
On the territory of Indiana, before the arrival of Europeans, Indian peoples lived (Potawatomi, Delaware, Miami and others), and until about 1500, in the Ohio River Valley, the Indians of the “Mississippian culture”, also called “mound builders” lived.
In 1679, René de La Salem explored the territory of Indiana, and 46 years later, the New France colony was created here. Thus, the French became the first Europeans to settle on this land. However, after some time, power over these lands passed to the British, who controlled the first French settlement of Vincennes from 1763 to 1779. Thanks to the War of Independence, the territory came under the control of the American militia, led by George Rogers Clark.
Already in 1800, the territory of Indiana was separated from the Northwest Territory of the United States. At that time, Indiana included the lands: Illinois, Visconti, part of Minnesota and Michigan, as well as the modern state of Indiana. William Henry Harrison was appointed Governor of the new Territory. In 1811, the Indians were finally ousted from this land.
On December 11, 1816, the Indiana Territory entered the union, thus becoming the 19th state of the United States. In the same year, a constitution was adopted in the new state, which lasted until 1851, when it was replaced by another one that is still in force today. Initially, the capital of the state was the city of Corydon, but due to its location in the south of the state, it was not the capital for long. In the very center of Indiana in 1820, the new city of Indianapolis was built, which, 5 years later, received the status of the capital.
According to citypopulationreview.com, since 1834, the first railway built here has played an important role in the development of the state. During the Civil War years, the state supported the North, mobilizing its citizens as the very first of the Western states. A total of 208,367 men sent from Indiana participated in the war.
In the 1900s, the state of Indiana was the leader of the American automobile industry, and during the Second World War, tanks, aircraft, steel, and other products aimed at arming the country were manufactured here. In the post-war period, Indiana continued to develop, becoming the most industrialized state in the United States.
INDIANAPOLIS
Population: 843.393 thousand people (2013)
Area: 963.5 sq. km
Founded: 1821
City status since: 1825
Time zone: UTC-5, summer UTC-4
Altitude: 218 m
Indianapolis is the only city in the US that was originally founded as the capital of a particular state. The name Indianapolis itself consists of two parts: “Indiana” – the state, the center of which was the city, and “polis” – translated from Greek “city”. The geographical position explains the logic of the founders of Indy, as Indianapolis is also called. The city is located in the center of the state, on the banks of the White River. Although the river never became a major thoroughfare due to its many shoals, Indy’s economic growth was quite fast. Today it is the largest industrial, commercial and financial metropolis. See Indiana counties.
For almost two hundred years of its development, the city has experienced many ups and downs. The effects of tensions between whites and African Americans throughout the 20th century are still being felt in some areas of the city. Indy’s center is predominantly “black”. The crime rate here is above the American average. Although in the “white” and “mixed” neighborhoods on the outskirts it is imperceptible.
The hallmark of the city is the Monument to Soldiers and Sailors, erected at the end of the 19th century. For over 60 years, the monument was the tallest building in Indianapolis. Another well-known landmark is also associated with the US military. The War Memorial was created in the likeness of the Mausoleum of Mausolus and is a very impressive architectural structure.
Tourists are interested not only in monuments. The famous Indy 500 automobile race is held annually in Indianapolis. The sporting event takes place on a track built back in 1909. The original brick pavement has since been replaced with asphalt. Only 1 yard at the start lined with bricks as a sign of the preservation of tradition.
If you are going to Indianapolis, it is better to plan a trip for the warm season. Winters are quite cold here. The average temperature in January is -3 C.
SOUTH BEND
Population: 107.789 thousand people (2004)
Area: 101.3 sq. km
Founded: 1865
Time zone: UTC-5, summer UTC-4
Altitude: 211 m
The city of South Bend is located on the St. Joseph River. Not far from it are the borders of Ohio and Illinois. The city and its environs are dominated by a continental humid climate. The proximity of Lake Michigan has a significant impact on the weather. The warmest period here lasts from June to August. A large amount of snow falls in January. The off-season is notable for cloudy days. Large American companies operate within the city limits. Initially, a fur trading center was founded on the site of the modern city. Over time, it was transformed into a large settlement, then into a city, the status of which was assigned in 1865.
South Bend’s economy is based on education, small business and healthcare. The tourist business and the service sector bring significant income to the city treasury. A university and a number of secondary educational institutions have been opened in the city. Among the celebrities of South Bend is football player Bob Chappuis. His track record includes many sports awards.
