Indiana State History – Native American, French, US Expansion

Native Americans

People have lived in Indiana for thousands of years. Woodland culture lived in the area until 1000 AD, when the Mississippian culture arose. When the Europeans arrived, the area was inhabited by several Algonquian-speaking Native American tribes. These included the Illini, Shawnee, and Miami. In the 16th century, other tribes, such as the Delaware, came from the East, driven out by Europeans.

Information about Indiana State:

Flag of Indiana State:

Europeans Arrive

The first European to explore Indiana was French explorer Robert de La Salle in 1679. Many French settlers came from Canada to trade furs with indigenous Indian tribes. The first trading post he founded in 1702. In 1715 the French built Fort Miami, which later became Fort Wayne. British settlers then came to the area and started fighting for control of the fur trade.

French and Indian War

In 1754, war broke out between England and France over the American fur trade. The Native Americans of Indiana allied with the French and fought the British. However, in 1763 Britain won the war and became part of the British Empire.

Indiana State Symbols

• Indiana State Nickname: Crossroads of America
  
• Indiana State Slogan: Restart Your Engines, (formerly) Enjoy Indiana
  
• Indiana State Motto: The Hoosier State, The Crossroads of America
  
• Indiana State flower: Peony
  
• Indiana State bird: Cardinal 
• Indiana State fish: none
• Indiana State tree: The Tulip Tree
• Indiana State mammal: none
• Indiana State foods: Pork

Pontiac’s War

The French lost the war, but the Native Americans didn’t want to give up their land. they kept fighting. Many tribes allied under their leader Pontiac and fought against the British. The Indians ultimately lost the war, but Britain passed a law preventing British settlers from taking over their lands. Unfortunately for the Indians, many Europeans still settled on their lands despite the new laws.

Northwest Territory

After the American Revolutionary War, the United States took control of Indiana. It became part of the Northwest Territories in 1787. The Northwest Territories were a vast area that also included the future states of Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. When Ohio became a state in 1800, the area was renamed Indiana Territory.

The Geography of Indiana State:

• Total Size of Indiana: 35,826.03 sq. miles (source: 2020 Census)
  
• Geographical Low Point of Indiana: Ohio River at 320 feet, located in the county/subdivision of Posey (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
  
• Geographical High Point of Indiana: Hoosier Hill at 1,257 feet, located in the county/subdivision of Wayne (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
  
• Central Point of Indiana: Located in Boone County approx. 14 miles north-northwest of Indianapolis (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
  
• Counties of Indiana: 92 (source: National Association of Counties)
  
• Bodies of Water of Indiana: Lake Michigan, Ohio River, White River, Wabash River, Kankakee River.

Tecumseh’s War

The United States had treaties with Native American tribes that promised them land. But as more and more settlers migrated, they continued to steal land from the Native Americans. Shawnee Chief Tecumseh united several tribes to fight the United States. He met with Indiana Governor William Henry Harrison (later president) to negotiate a fair treaty. However, in 1811 Harrison attacked and defeated the Shawnee at the Battle of Tippecanoe.

Becoming a State

In 1813 the capital was moved to Corydon. In 1815 the state legislature petitioned the United States Congress as a state, and Indiana was incorporated as her 19th state on December 11, 1816. Nine years later, in 1825, the state capital was moved to Indianapolis.

Famous People of Indiana State:

Interesting Facts of Indiana State:

The Indianapolis 500 Car Race is the world’s largest sporting event.

Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana is considered the world’s first theme park.

Indiana produces more popcorn than any other US state.

The Indiana state flag has her 19 stars. The 19th star represents Indiana being her 19th state to join the Union.

Indiana is nicknamed Hoosier State, but no one knows exactly where the Hoosier name came from.

Abraham Lincoln grew up in Spencer County, Indiana.

His first professional baseball game was in his 1871 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In Indiana there is a town called Santa Claus. Hundreds of thousands of letters are sent there each Christmas time.

Indiana has more highway miles per square mile than any other state. It truly deserves the name “America’s Crossroads”.

Almost half of the state’s arable land is planted with corn each year.

Timeline Overview:

1679 – French explorer Robert de La Salle visits Indiana.
1702 – The first trading post is established.
1715 – The French build Fort Miami, which later becomes Fort Wayne.
1732 – The first settlement is established by missionaries at Fort Vincennes.
1754 – Beginning of the French and Indian War. The Indians allied with France, but lost the war in 1763 and the British seized power.
1787 – The Northwest Territories are formed and include many future states, including Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
1800 – Ohio becomes a state, forming the Indiana Territory.
1811 – William Henry Harrison defeats the Shawnee at the Battle of Tippecanoe.
1815 – Capital of Indiana Territory moves to Corydon. 1816 – Indiana becomes the 19th state.
1825 – Indianapolis becomes the state capital.
1846 – The last Native Americans are expelled from Indiana.
1911 – The first Indianapolis 500 auto race is held.