Indiana: A Historical Rundown
Timeline of Events
- 1787: Northwest Ordinance establishes Indiana Territory as part of the United States.
- 1800: Indiana Territory is divided, with the western half becoming the Indiana Territory.
- 1816: Indiana becomes the 19th state of the Union.
- 1836: The Indian Removal Act is implemented, forcing many Native American tribes to relocate west.
- 1840: Indiana’s first railroad, the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad, is built.
- 1854: The Kansas-Nebraska Act repeals the Missouri Compromise, which prohibited slavery in the northern territories.
- 1861: Indiana joins the Union during the American Civil War.
- 1893: The World’s Columbian Exposition is held in Chicago, Illinois, bringing industry and tourism to Indiana.
- 1908: The Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana State University) is founded.
- 1914: The Panama Canal opens, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, benefiting Indiana’s trade.
- 1968: Indiana University wins its first NCAA basketball championship.
Important Legislation
- 1851: The Indiana Common School Law establishes a free public school system for all children.
- 1873: The Indiana Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and transportation.
- 1913: The Indiana Workmen’s Compensation Act provides benefits to injured workers.
- 1927: The Indiana Public Service Commission Act regulates utilities and transportation.
- 1957: The Indiana Right-to-Work Law prohibits mandatory union membership.
Important Court Cases
- 1857: Dred Scott v. Sandford: The Supreme Court ruled that African Americans were not citizens and could not sue in federal court. Indiana was a free state at the time, but the case had a significant impact on the debate over slavery.
- 1973: Roe v. Wade: The Supreme Court ruled that women have a constitutional right to abortion. Indiana was one of the first states to legalize abortion after the ruling.
- 2008: Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission: The Supreme Court ruled that corporations are allowed to spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns. Indiana has been a battleground state in several presidential elections since the ruling.
Major Industry
- Agriculture: Indiana is a major producer of soybeans, corn, wheat, and livestock.
- Manufacturing: Indiana is home to several major manufacturing companies, including General Motors, Cummins, and Eli Lilly.
- Tourism: Indiana’s attractions include the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indiana State Fair, and the Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan.
Impact on the Rest of the Country
- Indiana played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved African Americans escape to freedom in the North.
- Indiana’s agricultural and manufacturing industries have contributed to the economic prosperity of the United States.
- Indiana’s political influence has shaped national debates over slavery, civil rights, and economic policy.