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Known as the Crossroads of America, Indiana is located in the Midwestern and Great Lakes regions of the United States. It is the 38th largest state by area and the 17th most populous state with over 6.8 million residents as of 2022. Indiana became a state on December 11, 1816 and was the 19th state to join the Union. The state's capital and largest city is Indianapolis.

History

Indiana has a rich history dating back over 10,000 years when Paleo-Indians first inhabited the area. French explorers later made their way into Indiana in the 17th century followed by the British and American colonists. Indiana played an important role in the expansion of the United States westward. It became a state shortly after the War of 1812. The Indiana Historical Society maintains a huge collection of artifacts and documents on Indiana history and genealogy dating from the 17th century. During the 19th century, Indiana became an agricultural hub and major industrial center. It contributed over 210,000 troops during the American Civil War. In the 20th century, Indiana became a leader in the automobile, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries, earning it the nickname "The Crossroads of America."

Economy

Indiana has a diverse economy with thriving manufacturing, agriculture, life sciences, logistics, education, and finance industries. Some of the state's major employers include St. Vincent Health, Indiana University Health, Eli Lilly and Company, Berry Global Group Inc., and Anthem Inc. Indiana's 2019 GDP was over $364 billion, ranking it as the 17th largest economy among states. Many economic development initiatives in Indiana aim to support continued growth and investment in advanced manufacturing, technology and life sciences. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offers resources for businesses and communities. The central location of Indiana also makes it a major transportation and logistics hub. Over 50% of the U.S. population lives within a day's drive which enables excellent connectivity and distribution.

To learn more, visit the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's website.

Transportation

Indiana has extensive transportation infrastructure including airports, ports, railways, interstates and state highways. The Indianapolis International Airport serves as a major passenger and cargo airport. The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor on Lake Michigan provides access to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Indiana is home to over 4,800 miles of railroad tracks across multiple major lines including CSX and Norfolk Southern. Several major interstates including I-65, I-69, I-70, I-74, I-80, and I-90 run through the state making it a national crossroads. These connect Indiana to major metropolitan areas including Chicago, Detroit, Louisville, Cincinnati, and others. Public transportation options are available in major cities as well as regional bus service by Greyhound. These transportation assets contribute to Indiana's strength in logistics.

Landmarks and Locations

Indianapolis Motor Speedway (39.7983° N, 86.2336° W)

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway located at 4790 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222 is home to the iconic Indianapolis 500 race and Brickyard 400. Opened in 1909 it is the world's first purpose built automobile race track.

Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (39.7682° N, 86.1587° W)

The Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is a 284 ft tall neoclassical monument built on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis between 1888 and 1901. The address is 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

West Baden Springs Hotel (38.5586° N, 86.6164° W)

The West Baden Springs Hotel is a historic hotel with an immense free-spanning dome in West Baden Springs, Indiana. It is currently part of the French Lick Resort Casino complex. The address is 8670 West State Road 56, West Baden Springs, IN 47469.

Counties

Indiana consists of 92 counties. Marion County is the largest county by population and contains the capital Indianapolis. Allen County with Fort Wayne is the second largest followed by Lake County and Hamilton County.

The Association of Indiana Counties represents county government interests and provides resources at www.indianacounties.org. Their address is 101 West Ohio Street, Suite 1575, Indianapolis, IN 46204 and phone number is (317) 684-3710.

School Districts

Indiana has over 400 public school districts managed by school corporations. The Indiana Department of Education website at https://www.doe.in.gov provides information on schools and districts. Some of the largest districts include Indianapolis Public Schools, Fort Wayne Community Schools, and Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation.

Facebook

Follow latest news and updates about Indiana on the state's official Facebook page.

Sports

Indiana has avid sports fans who follow popular teams like the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, NBA's Indiana Pacers, WNBA's Indiana Fever, and NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets. Check out websites for the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, and Columbus Blue Jackets to learn more and buy tickets.

Tourism

Popular tourist attractions and activities in Indiana include the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana Dunes National and State Parks, Holiday World theme park, West Baden Springs Hotel, Indiana State Museum, scenic trails, festivals, casinos, motorsports, museums, wineries, and more. Learn about planning your Indiana trip at visitindiana.com.

With diverse attractions, a central location, and excellent transportation infrastructure, Indiana appeals to all types of travelers seeking fun and adventure.

Top 10 Most Populous Cities in Indiana

Indianapolis

Indianapolis is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the seat of Marion County. According to the 2020 census, the population was 886,220, making it the 16th most populous city in the United States and the second most populous city in the Midwest after Chicago. Indianapolis was founded in 1821 near the confluence of the White River and Fall Creek as the site for the new state capital. It was named Indianapolis after the state itself, whose name means "land of the Indians." The city rose to prominence as a hub for the Midwest region's transportation, manufacturing, and commerce industries. Some key links for Indianapolis:

Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne is the second most populous city in the U.S. state of Indiana and the 78th most populous city in the United States. Located in northeastern Indiana, it is 18 miles (29 km) west of the Ohio border and 50 miles (80 km) south of the Michigan border. Fort Wayne has an estimated population of 253,691 as of 2020, making it the second largest city in Indiana after Indianapolis. Fort Wayne was established in 1794 by the United States Army under the direction of American Revolutionary War general Anthony Wayne, the last in a series of forts built near the Miami tribe village of Kekionga. It is the principal city of the Fort Wayne metropolitan area, consisting of Allen, Wells, and Whitley counties, a combined population of 419,453 as of 2011. Some key links for Fort Wayne:

Evansville

Evansville is the third largest city in Indiana and the largest city in Southern Indiana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 118,008, making it the state's third most populous city after Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. It is the county seat of Vanderburgh County. The city is situated on a bend in the Ohio River, directly across from Henderson, Kentucky. Nicknamed the "Crescent Valley" or "River City", Evansville is known for its riverfront along the Ohio River which includes parks, historic sites, and a pedestrian shopping district. Some key links for Evansville:

South Bend

South Bend is the fourth largest city in Indiana and the largest city in northern Indiana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 101,516, making it the fourth largest city in the state, behind Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville. South Bend is the county seat of St. Joseph County, Indiana. It is the principal city of the South Bend–Mishawaka metropolitan area, the most populous metro area in northern Indiana. Due to its location on the St. Joseph River, South Bend served as a major hub for transportation, trade and shipping for most of its history. Some key links for South Bend:

Carmel

Carmel is the fifth largest city in Indiana, with a population of 97,052 as of 2020. It is located in the northern part of the state, just north of Indianapolis. Carmel spans parts of both Hamilton and Marion counties, and serves as the county seat of Hamilton County. Carmel has grown rapidly since the late 20th century and has become an edge city to Indianapolis. In 2012, Carmel was named the Best Place to Live in the United States by Money magazine. Some key links for Carmel:

Fishers

Fishers is a city located in Fall Creek and Delaware Townships, Hamilton County, Indiana, with portions extending into Marion and Madison counties. Fishers has grown rapidly in recent decades: as of the 2020 census, the population was 96,859, making it the sixth largest city in Indiana. Fishers is a northeastern suburb of Indianapolis. Several global companies, including Thomson and Roche Diagnostics, and numerous regional businesses are located there. The municipality has made substantial investments in parks and recreation amenities, earning it recognition from national publications. Some key links for Fishers:

Muncie

Muncie is an incorporated city and the seat of Delaware County, Indiana. It is located in East Central Indiana, about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Indianapolis. The United States Census for 2020 reported the city's population was 77,053. Muncie is best known as the home of Ball State University and the birthplace of the Ball Corporation. Dubbed the "Middletown" of America for its mid-size and mid-America locale, Muncie was home to one of the first automobile manufacturing plants in the United States. Some key links for Muncie:

Anderson

Anderson is a city in and the county seat of Madison County, Indiana. It is the principal city of the Anderson metropolitan area which encompasses Madison County and the adjacent Grant County. Anderson is the headquarters of the Church of God and home of Anderson University, which is affiliated with that denomination. Highlights of the city include the historic Paramount Theatre and the Gruenewald Historic House. As of the 2020 census, the city has a population of 53,499, making it the eighth largest city in Indiana. Some key links for Anderson:

Lafayette

Lafayette is a city in and the county seat of Tippecanoe County, Indiana. The city is located 63 miles (101 km) northwest of Indianapolis. West Lafayette, on the other side of the Wabash River, is home to Purdue University. Together, Lafayette and West Lafayette form the core of the Lafayette metropolitan area. According to the 2020 census, the population of Lafayette was 72,024, making it the ninth largest city in Indiana. It forms part of the north central Indianapolis Combined Statistical Area with a population of over 2 million. Some key links for Lafayette:

Bloomington

Bloomington is a city in and the county seat of Monroe County in southern Indiana. It is the seventh largest city in Indiana and is home to Indiana University Bloomington. According to the 2020 census, Bloomington has a population of 85,755. Established in 1818, Bloomington is abundant in culture, art, and history. It is the home to many museums, performance venues, parks, and nearly 150 specialty shops. Some key links for Bloomington: