Indiana is the 38^th Largest among the United States, spanning an area of 35,870 sq mi and water area of 550 sq mi. It acquired statehood on December 11,1816. Indiana is the 19^th state of the 50 United States of America. The word Indiana means "land of the Indians," referring to the region's many Native American inhabitants. Indiana is nicknamed The Hoosier State.

Geography of Indiana

Capital City: Indianapolis
Population & Density: As per the recent census, the population is above 6 million and its growing everyday. Population density is 169.5 persons per sq mi.
Largest cities: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Gary, Hammond, Bloomington, Muncie.
Neighbor States: Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio.
Natural Treasures: Stone - Limestone.

State Facts:

Indiana Motto: The crossroads of America
State Symbols: Bird - Cardinal, Flower - Peony, Tree - Tulip-Poplar, Song - "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away" words and music by Paul Dresser.

Economy of Indiana

Personal income per Capita - $20,397 (Recent census - 1999)
Agriculture - Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle, Dairy Products, Eggs.
Industry - Steel, Electric Equipment, Transportation Equipment, Chemical Products, Petroleum and Coal Products, Machinery.

History of Indiana

On Dec. 11, 1816, Indiana became the 19^th state to join the union. Mining became a big industry. Natural gas was discovered near Portland and oil near Keystone. In 1889, Standard Oil built one of the largest oil refineries in the world in Whiting. Nearby, United States Steel built its largest steel mill and founded the city of Gary. The automobile and other metal-product industries also greatly expanded. Clifty Creek, one the nation's largest power plants, was built in Madison in 1956. Indiana is now striving to expand and renovate existing service industries while attracting new industries into the state.

The flags dimensions shall be three feet fly by two feet hoist; or five feet fly by three feet hoist; or any size proportionate to either of those dimensions. The field of the flag shall be blue with nineteen stars and a flaming torch in gold or buff. Thirteen stars shall be arranged in an outer circle, representing the original thirteen states; five stars shall be arranged in a half circle below the torch and inside the outer circle of stars, representing the states admitted prior to Indiana; and the nineteenth star, appreciably larger than the others and representing Indiana shall be placed above the flame of the torch. The outer circle of stars shall be so arranged that one star shall appear directly in the middle at the top of the circle, and the word "Indiana" shall be placed in a half circle over and above the star representing Indiana and midway between it and the star in the center above it. Rays shall be shown radiating from the torch to the three stars on each side of the star in the upper center of the circle. Flag adopted 1917.

Famous people of Indiana

Jim Davis (1945-) Creator of Garfield, was born in Marion.
Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901) 23^rd President of the United States, lived in Indianapolis, where he practiced law
John Cougar Mellencamp (1951-) Singer, songwriter, was born in Seymour.
Anne Baxter (1923-1985) Famous actress, was born in Michigan City.

Interesting Facts about Indiana

• In a typical year, almost half of all cropland in Indiana is planted in corn.
• James Dean, a popular movie star of the 1950s was born February 8, 1941, in Marion.
• The first successful goldfish farm in the United States was opened in Martinsville in 1899.
• Many Mennonite and Amish live on the farmland of Northwestern Indiana.
• In 1880, Wabash became the first city in the United States to have electric streetlights.