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| Indiana History- A Glimpse of the Past |
The first people that came to settle on the land that is today occupied by the state of Indiana were of course Indians. The
history of the 19th American state is just as complex and filled with enticing stories as any other state. From the time when
Indians started to form early settlements and gather in tribes to the arrival of the first Europeans and later on to the dispute
between French, English and native tribes for land occupation, Indiana has come a long way. Today, we can sincerely say
that every star on the US flag has a deeply interesting story to tell and the Hoosier state has definitely one of the best.
Indians were the first who helped to the development of the land, learning to farm, hunt and trade. They quickly explored the
resources nature had given to them, becoming experienced mound builders. As testimony of their work, we have today
Mounds State Park from Anderson and also Angel Mounds from Evansville. The encounter between Europeans and Indian
tribes was at first peaceful, both benefiting from exchanging tools with various animals skins. Still, if there is one thing that
history has taught us in general is that no human interaction is peaceful. More was about to come and every event was to
represent an important stone in the foundation of what is known today as Indiana.
It is common knowledge that the French have had a very important role in the early history of the state. They explored and
named various territories and rivers. One example lies in the person of the French explorer, Jacques Cartier, who discovered
St. Lawrence River. Just like that Robert Cavalier Sieur de La Salle found the Ohio River and gave it an Indian name. As the
thirst for territory exploration was almost endless, more and more French kept on pouring and forming settlements. They
built various forts as Fort Miami, Fort Ouiatenon or Fort Vincennes. French towns appeared all over Indiana and today
Vincennes is indeed one of the first towns formed in Indiana.
history of the 19th American state is just as complex and filled with enticing stories as any other state. From the time when
Indians started to form early settlements and gather in tribes to the arrival of the first Europeans and later on to the dispute
between French, English and native tribes for land occupation, Indiana has come a long way. Today, we can sincerely say
that every star on the US flag has a deeply interesting story to tell and the Hoosier state has definitely one of the best.
Indians were the first who helped to the development of the land, learning to farm, hunt and trade. They quickly explored the
resources nature had given to them, becoming experienced mound builders. As testimony of their work, we have today
Mounds State Park from Anderson and also Angel Mounds from Evansville. The encounter between Europeans and Indian
tribes was at first peaceful, both benefiting from exchanging tools with various animals skins. Still, if there is one thing that
history has taught us in general is that no human interaction is peaceful. More was about to come and every event was to
represent an important stone in the foundation of what is known today as Indiana.
It is common knowledge that the French have had a very important role in the early history of the state. They explored and
named various territories and rivers. One example lies in the person of the French explorer, Jacques Cartier, who discovered
St. Lawrence River. Just like that Robert Cavalier Sieur de La Salle found the Ohio River and gave it an Indian name. As the
thirst for territory exploration was almost endless, more and more French kept on pouring and forming settlements. They
built various forts as Fort Miami, Fort Ouiatenon or Fort Vincennes. French towns appeared all over Indiana and today
Vincennes is indeed one of the first towns formed in Indiana.
As soon as the French came, English settlers arrived. They had new
opinions and new wishes, especially when it came to the
French-Indian relations. Both French and English put the Indians in
a very difficult situation, threatening them and preventing them for
dealing further with either one of them. The situation quickly became
unbearable and the French and Indian war started. Indians fought
on both sides but the English won. Signing a treaty helped the
English to gain control over the whole territory of what is now Indiana.
The war being over, American colonists wanted to gain their
freedom and this led to a new revolution. The American Revolution
gave freedom to various colonists in American and the Declaration
of Independence (July 4th, 1976) is a powerful proof that finally a
new nation started to form. Indiana became a state and the need for
unionizing was felt. Still, there could be no talk of organizing until the
conflicts with the Indians were solved. After various battles, including
the famous one led at the Fallen Timbers, the Indian confederation
was defeated and Indiana had finally the liberty to expand in peace.
opinions and new wishes, especially when it came to the
French-Indian relations. Both French and English put the Indians in
a very difficult situation, threatening them and preventing them for
dealing further with either one of them. The situation quickly became
unbearable and the French and Indian war started. Indians fought
on both sides but the English won. Signing a treaty helped the
English to gain control over the whole territory of what is now Indiana.
The war being over, American colonists wanted to gain their
freedom and this led to a new revolution. The American Revolution
gave freedom to various colonists in American and the Declaration
of Independence (July 4th, 1976) is a powerful proof that finally a
new nation started to form. Indiana became a state and the need for
unionizing was felt. Still, there could be no talk of organizing until the
conflicts with the Indians were solved. After various battles, including
the famous one led at the Fallen Timbers, the Indian confederation
was defeated and Indiana had finally the liberty to expand in peace.
It was not until the War of 1812 fought against the English that Indiana was prepared to form into a state. Important figures
such as Jonathan Jennings contributed to the forming of the Indiana Territory into a state, speaking in the name of all who
wanted Indiana to obtain statehood in front of the Congress. The constitution was written in 1816 surprisingly under an elm
tree, which trunk can still be seen today in Corydon, the first capital of the state. After becoming the 19th American state,
more and more people started to migrate to Indiana, all looking for a new start and welcoming the breath of fresh air offered
by this state. Transportation quickly developed with flatboats, steamboats and then with stagecoaches. At the same time, in
1821 the decision to pick out a new capital was taken and so Indianapolis was found. As for transportation, canals, railroads
and in the end electric railways led in no time to the development of the territory, promising a bright future for Indiana.
A formal system of education was formed somewhere around 1850s, supporting the idea that regular graduation is the best
way to go. At first, schools charged tuition taxes for anyone wishing to attend, most private schools being provided by
churches. The Quakers and Presbyterians also contributed to the development of school education. However, public
schooling appeared in a short period of time, colleges and universities as well. Nowadays, Indiana University maintains its
reputation and long-lasting tradition. As for religion, an incredible blend was observed on the territory with Methodists,
Baptists and Presbyterians. Christians, Quakers, Lutherans and Roman Catholics just added to the variety of religious
beliefs.
such as Jonathan Jennings contributed to the forming of the Indiana Territory into a state, speaking in the name of all who
wanted Indiana to obtain statehood in front of the Congress. The constitution was written in 1816 surprisingly under an elm
tree, which trunk can still be seen today in Corydon, the first capital of the state. After becoming the 19th American state,
more and more people started to migrate to Indiana, all looking for a new start and welcoming the breath of fresh air offered
by this state. Transportation quickly developed with flatboats, steamboats and then with stagecoaches. At the same time, in
1821 the decision to pick out a new capital was taken and so Indianapolis was found. As for transportation, canals, railroads
and in the end electric railways led in no time to the development of the territory, promising a bright future for Indiana.
A formal system of education was formed somewhere around 1850s, supporting the idea that regular graduation is the best
way to go. At first, schools charged tuition taxes for anyone wishing to attend, most private schools being provided by
churches. The Quakers and Presbyterians also contributed to the development of school education. However, public
schooling appeared in a short period of time, colleges and universities as well. Nowadays, Indiana University maintains its
reputation and long-lasting tradition. As for religion, an incredible blend was observed on the territory with Methodists,
Baptists and Presbyterians. Christians, Quakers, Lutherans and Roman Catholics just added to the variety of religious
beliefs.
One of the most amazing things about Indiana is that it has never
supported slavery. From the beginning and throughout the time,
slavery was considered as a very important issue even though
there were many prejudices against black people. Other important
changes were brought to Indiana by the Civil War, including for the
education system, manufacturing industry and even agriculture. All
in all, Indiana developed intensely and gave more rights to black
people and women. A true society was forming and nothing could
stop the progress.
The modern history of Indiana includes the same issues as it did
before the Civil War. Even though black were supported by various
amendments in the Constitution, this didn’t stop the people from
demonstrating their hate, racism and violence. The Ku Klux Klan is
unfortunately one of the dark images linked with America. The white
robes and hoods represent a familiar image not only to Americans
but to whole word. Their acts of harassment, anger and intense
violence have always been regarded with disdain and it is
incredible how this group has managed to expand to such a large
extent.
supported slavery. From the beginning and throughout the time,
slavery was considered as a very important issue even though
there were many prejudices against black people. Other important
changes were brought to Indiana by the Civil War, including for the
education system, manufacturing industry and even agriculture. All
in all, Indiana developed intensely and gave more rights to black
people and women. A true society was forming and nothing could
stop the progress.
The modern history of Indiana includes the same issues as it did
before the Civil War. Even though black were supported by various
amendments in the Constitution, this didn’t stop the people from
demonstrating their hate, racism and violence. The Ku Klux Klan is
unfortunately one of the dark images linked with America. The white
robes and hoods represent a familiar image not only to Americans
but to whole word. Their acts of harassment, anger and intense
violence have always been regarded with disdain and it is
incredible how this group has managed to expand to such a large
extent.
The second part of 19th century was a time when Indiana started to encompass industrialization and develop even more.
Agriculture, mining and the manufacturing industry helped to the constant wealth of the state, increasing at the same time the
population and bringing on positive changes. Industrialization led in no time to incredible urban growth and factories could be
seen all around new formed cities. Steamboats, natural gas, steel production and the automobile industry represented just a
few of the things that brought Indiana to the center of attention.
Today, Indiana is an important center from all possible points of views: commercial, financial, industrial, educational and
cultural. The image of Indiana in the 19th century has been replaced with modern views and Indiana has a lot to be proud of. A
major producer of building stone, leader in the steel industry and implementing smart strategies for the transportation sector,
this state represents home for more than 6 million people, all of them proud to be Americans!
Agriculture, mining and the manufacturing industry helped to the constant wealth of the state, increasing at the same time the
population and bringing on positive changes. Industrialization led in no time to incredible urban growth and factories could be
seen all around new formed cities. Steamboats, natural gas, steel production and the automobile industry represented just a
few of the things that brought Indiana to the center of attention.
Today, Indiana is an important center from all possible points of views: commercial, financial, industrial, educational and
cultural. The image of Indiana in the 19th century has been replaced with modern views and Indiana has a lot to be proud of. A
major producer of building stone, leader in the steel industry and implementing smart strategies for the transportation sector,
this state represents home for more than 6 million people, all of them proud to be Americans!
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