44 Important Facts About Indiana

Last updated on September 25th, 2022

40. The American Institute of Architects has ranked Columbus, Indiana at the sixth spot in the nation for architectural innovation and design, right behind Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Moreover, the city also has hundreds of acres in a city park system which is also ranked number one in the country by the National Recreation and Park Association for cities the size of Columbus.^[21]

41. Did you know that the land which is now Columbus was known as Tiptonia, named in honor of General Tipton who along with Luke Bonesteel bought the land in 1820? The town’s name was changed to Columbus on March 20, 1821.^[21]

42. On May 7, 1919, Indianapolis hosted Welcome Home Day for returning WWI soldiers. On this day, the returning soldiers reunited with their family members and were served boxed lunches by the Salvation Army and Eastern Star. A huge parade was also organized and the soldiers were served a pint of coffee before and after the parade.^[22]

43. Did you know that there is a town in corn belt in Indiana called “Popcorn”? The town is famous for the production of popcorn that is free of growth hormones.^[23]

44. Indiana exports more products to Canada than any other country. Cars, cars part, and pharmaceuticals are among the major exports from the state.^[24]

About the Flag of Indiana

1. Design and Symbolism

The flag of Indiana features a golden torch surrounded by stars on a blue field. The torch symbolizes liberty and enlightenment. Seven lines radiating in all directions signify the far-reaching influence of these noble ideas.

Thirteen stars encircle the entire torch to represent the original thirteen states. Five more stars appear in a semi-circle on an inner row to denote the succeeding states to join the Union. The nineteenth star, representing Indiana, is directly over the fire with its name spelled out.

2. Adoption

Indiana adopted the flag on May 11, 1917, from the design of Paul Hadley. It remains unchanged, except for a new production standard in 1955.

3. Technical Details

According to the governing statute, the flag should be three by two feet or five by three. Other sizes that comply with these proportions are also acceptable. The torch is gold or buff. The star representing Indiana must be superior to the rest.

4. History

In 1916, Indiana celebrated its statehood centennial. The General Assembly wanted a new state flag to mark the event. They asked the Indiana Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution to sponsor a contest for it. Mrs. Marie Stewart Carey led the way. A prize of $100 served as an incentive for designers. The amount is equivalent to $2,717 in 2022. Over 200 submissions later, the Society selected the work of Paul Hadley.

Hadley is a watercolorist and art designer. At the time, he was busy doing interior decoration and making stained glass windows for churches. A few years after his win, Hadley joined the faculty of John Herron Art Institute and served as Assistant Curator to the Art Museum. He enjoyed an illustrious career with numerous awards for his watercolor paintings. His flag design gained the official acceptance of the legislature in 1917.

5. Other Flags

Before the Hadley flag, Indiana used a state flag with a blue field and the state seal. The seal features a woodsman chopping down a sycamore tree while a buffalo roams and the sun rises behind mountains. It signifies that civilization is subduing the wilderness. It also implies that Indiana has a bright future ahead of it.

Surrounding the seal are leaves and a shield bearing the US flag. Above it is a flowing red ribbon with the name of the state. The previous state flag also had a gold fringe along the edges. Indiana also used the “Old Glory” US flag during state functions.

6. Flag Facts

The General Assembly modified the original design by adding the state name over the torch. “INDIANA” is curved instead of straight to fit with the circular arrangement of the stars.

In 2016, a Bicentennial Torch Relay became part of the celebrations. The symbols featured in the Indiana state flag were prominent across the event, such as the torch surrounded by stars. The flag is also in the bicentennial postage stamp series.

The team colors of the Indiana Pacers from the NBA are navy blue and gold – directly taken from the state flag. Their home uniform is white with blue and gold trim, while their road kit is blue with gold trim.

Indiana – quick facts and state symbols