Indianapolis history

by Kathleen Woods

The Town of Indianapolis, IN | The History of Indianapolis

Indianapolis historic homes for sale

Indianapolis historic homes for sale

The Indiana General Assembly founded Indianapolis as the state capital in 1821. The designer of the capitol was Alexander Ralston. The plan requested Indianapolis to be just one square mile, and centrally located, Alexander positioned the Governor’s Circle in close proximity to the Governor’s mansion. However, not one governor lived in the mansion because of the lack of privacy. The mansion was destroyed and the very well known Monument Circle was built. The monument is a tribute to veterans of the American Revolution. It is currently the center of downtown Indianapolis known as the “Crossroads of America.

The Population

Indianapolis is the 12th largest city in the United States. The population is around 800,000. Central Indiana has reached more than 1.5 million, thus causing Indiana to be the Midwest’s third largest city. The growth rate for Indy is more than 5 percent. We are one of few major Midwest cities that can say this.

Business & Economic Environment in Indianapolis

Indianapolis offers a wonderful business city environment. The companies in Indianapolis range in type and size. Some great examples are Conseco Field house and the Circle Center Mall were production and partnerships are strong between our public and private mainframe. Local area businesses and community members have dedicated a great many resources in hopes to inspire growth in the region. Indianapolis offers a number of incentives for businesses. Some examples would entail tax credits, grants, and tax abatement. There are no use and sales taxes for equipment and or materials and no corporate franchise taxes.

Indianapolis Indiana is also known as Greater Indianapolis. Central Indiana consists of nine counties. The counties consist of Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby. Indianapolis stands up to the title, “Crossroads of America.” Indiana’s central location causes the state to be an ideal place for the real estate development and business development. It allows companies to quickly reach their clients and suppliers.

Some of Indy’s strengths are in retail and distribution. Indiana does not experience the ups and downs in the market like many other cities. Indiana was voted the 6th in the nation for our great business climate by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2005. Indiana was voted the 5th largest city for entrepreneurs by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2005.

Political Climate for Indianapolis

Indianapolis was thought to be one of the most conservative states in the nation until the 1990’s. Our democratic Secretary of State Bart Peterson overcame the Republican Secretary of State in 1999 for as mayor. Bart Peterson was re-elected in 2003. He is still the mayor. Mitch Daniels is our Governor. As quoted in the in.gov website from Daniels Lets all do our duty such that, years from now, when people look back to these days and say then, in 2005, that was when Indiana’s comeback began, we can all say right, I know- I was a part of it, I was there

Other state constitutional officers are Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman, Attorney General Steve Carter, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed. Some of the responsibilities covered by these officers are Agriculture, Tourism Development, Energy and Defense Development, Community and Rural Affairs, legal needs, implement policies and procedures to assist the Indiana State Board of Education.

Our Culture

Indianapolis offers a wonderful heritage. To name a few Conner Prairie, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Children’s Museum, offer great recreation. Our Indianapolis government has attempted to point out the diverse culture by assigning specific areas known as “Cultural Districts. Some of these are as follows: Broad Ripple , Mass Avenue , White River St Park, Fountain Square, the Wholesale District,  Indiana Avenue,  Monument Circle, and the War Memorial.

The Geography & Climate

The geographic center is found Marion county Indiana bordered by Lake Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan. Indiana is the 38th largest state out of the 50. Hoosier Hill is the highest point in Indiana located in Franklin Township. 116 degrees Fahrenheit was the highest temperature ever recorded in July 14th 1936. -36 degrees was the lowest temperature recorded in January 19th, 1994

The state abbreviation is In, the sate capitol is Indianapolis, the largest city is Indianapolis, the population is 6,08 0,484, the major industries are corn, soybeans, and wheat, the state bird is the cardinal, the state flower is the Peony, the earth symbol is Salem Limestone, and the sate motto is the Crossroads of Indiana.

Indianapolis Indiana Overview

You will find an abundance of things to do in Indianapolis with larger city amenities offering convenient locations, family atmosphere, and an upscale environment.

Indianapolis is the countries twelve largest city. The town has gone through a dramatic growth and amazing wonderful changes. Indianapolis was very different just a few years ago. Indianapolis is the perfect balance of style and character with a cozy small town feel. Indy is such a beautiful clean city. The streets are cleaned every evening. All of this makes downtown Indianapolis a successful hot spot for travel, business, tours, dining, and more to over twenty million visitors a year.
Indianapolis is typically referenced as the Crossroads of America. Indiana is easily accessible from many avenues through the mid-west. At least one half of our country’s population is within one day’s drive. This causes traveling to Indiana by automobile a very attractive option. If you would rather fly, the Indianapolis International Airport offers many airlines and nonstop flights to over thirty destinations to accommodate your travel. It is only a quick twenty minute drive to downtown Indianapolis.

You will discover Indy to be a refreshing and diverse city with a wonderful variety of the arts, special attractions, historical events and family attractions. If you visit the Indiana Repertory Theater you will find professional and brilliantly entertaining theater, comedies, dramas and musicals on two stages. Enjoy the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at the Hilbert Circle Theater. They perform year round. The Soldier’s & Sailor’s Monument made of limestone is found at the downtown Monument Circle. It was dedicated in 1902. The monument is a tribute to Indiana men and women who served in the Civil and Spanish-American Wars. The observation tower offers a panoramic look of the city skyline. Indianapolis is one of the only 26 national monuments in the nation.

You will not e disappointed when you visit the White River State Park. The White River State Park is found in downtown Indianapolis. The activities will offer something interesting to each person. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art showcase the art finds and stages the culture and history of the American West and its culture.  The Indian Market is an activity offered every summer.  One hundred fifty Native American artists from across the world are at this event. The student-athlete at the NCAA Hall of Champions offers interactive displays and video presentations for patrons to view and hear athletes and coaches explain how they excelled in their particular sport.

See the animals at the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens. In the Garden plants and animals are the main attraction. The  zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden are all situated on 64 acres in White River State Park. The Indianapolis Zoo features about 4,000 animals and offers the state’s largest aquarium. We offer the country’s first entirely submerged, underwater viewing dome for the dolphins. The Indiana State Museum offers a look into the state’s African-American history. There are four planned performance stages present a diverse experience of the black heritage in Indiana. You may view a movie at the IMAX theater. Take a look at the past and present African-American culture.

Take a tour an view the many paintings, sculptures, and photographs from African, American, Asian and European artists at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It is one of the largest art museums in the nation. Take another tour and view Indiana’s history at The Lilly House and Gardens. They offer eight rooms that have been restored and furnished. The home has undergone a great deal of expansion and renovation in the recent past. You will find more gallery space and a great restaurant called Pucks.

Conner Prairie is located in Fishers Indiana. Over 325,000 patrons visit the museum each year. The 19th century history museums frontier village comes alive and the past becomes the present. Partake in authentic activities, celebration, and dancing. In December you can take the kids to see the Gingerbread Village. Bring the family for some good old fashion fun. The Children’s Museum just north of downtown Indianapolis offers hours of amazing family fun. The museum is five stories with thousands of artifacts and many galleries to explore science, history, dinosaurs, culture and the arts. A lot of the exhibits are hands on and great instruments for learning. The antique carousel on the fourth floor offers free rides if you are a member. See the stars at the Space Quest Planetarium. The Dino sphere reflects one of the largest displays of real dinosaur fossils in the Nation. You should not miss this most impressive event.