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Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Indiana became a state December 11, 1816, the 19th state admitted to the Union.
  • Indianapolis became state capital: 1824
  • Established: 1820
  • Name Origin: Indianapolis literally means “Indiana City” as “polis” is the Greek word for city

On June 7, 1820, ten Indiana commissioners chose an area of rolling woodlands in the center of the state to be the new capital. Only two white settlers lived there at the time, among scattered Indian villages.

The city was laid out in a wheel pattern, like Washington, DC. The capitol is built of Indiana limestone, with a copper-covered dome. It is 235 feet to the top of the cupola.

Indianapolis is the largest city in the state today. In historic Lockerbie Square, you can visit the home of James Whitcomb Riley, who was known as the Hoosier Poet. On Delaware Street, you can visit the home of Benjamin Harrison, 23rd President of the United States.

The Indy 500 races are held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway every Memorial Day. A month-long celebration precedes the event, with the Queen’s Ball, Mechanic’s Recognition Party, and a big parade.

Things To Love About Indianapolis

The monument circle that centers the city; the capitol right there within reach; enough places to park, and sit, and walk, and run; enjoy the moments, the lunchtime music in the garden built above the street; so down to earth; so downtown Charlie Brown.

Blogs To Read About Indianapolis

Not To Brag https://capitalcitiesusa.org/?p=8907#more-8907

Birth Of A Capital City  https://capitalcitiesusa.org/?p=9019

Two Hoosier Guys  https://capitalcitiesusa.org/?p=9044

Rock Solid  https://capitalcitiesusa.org/?p=9161

Capital City Basics

  • Population: 820,445, 2nd largest in population of the 50 capital cities
  • Population density: 2,270 persons per square mile
  • Land area of city: 361.43 square miles
  • Elevation: 717 feet, 20th highest in elevation of the 50 capital cities
  • Normal high/low temps: January 36/21, July 85/66. Annual rainfall: 42 inches
  • Time Zone: Eastern
  • Water near: White River, Fall Creek
  • Mountains near: Dearborn Uplands. Hoosier Hill, in the east central part of the state, is the highest point in Indiana at 1,257 feet.
  • Miles to three nearest State Capitals: Frankfort, KY 164; Columbus, OH 174; Springfield, IL 206
  • Miles to National Capitol in Washington, DC: 593

Population Statistics from US 2010 Census

  • 820,445          Population
  • 25.0%              Under 18
  • 10.5%              Over 65
  • 2.1%                Asian
  • 27.5%              Black
  • 9.4%                Hispanic/Latino
  • 0.3%                Native Alaskan or American Indian
  • 0.0%                Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
  • 58.6%              White

Education Statistics from US 2010 Census

  • 11.8%               English Not Spoken at Home
  • 84.0%              High School Graduate
  • 27.1%               Bachelor’s Degree or Higher

Economic Statistics from US 2010 Census

  • 18.9%              Below Poverty Level
  • $24,430          Per Capita Income
  • $42,704          Median Household Income
  • $120,600        Median Value of Home
  • 57.2%              Home Ownership

City: http://www.indy.gov/Pages/Home.aspx

Visitors: http://www.visitindy.com/