Indiana is the 5th largest state in the U.S. and is full of amazing history to explore. As you work your way through U.S. geography you can use this Indiana State Study to discover this fascinating state.
Did you know that six US Vice Presidents were from Indiana or that there is a Santa Claus, Indiana? These are just a couple of facts I learned while putting together this state study of Indiana.
I designed this Indiana State Study to make learning about ‘The Hoosier State’, both fun and educational experience. I’ve included videos, articles, literature options, state facts, famous landmarks and more to provide thorough learning opportunities for your children.
Indiana State Study
History of the State of Indiana
History of the State of Indiana
Civil Rights History of Indiana
Indiana’s National Forest History
Historical Climate Histories of Indiana
Indiana’s Presidential Election Voting History
Indiana Literature and Research Resources
Indiana (A True Book: My Un...Shop on Amazon
KIDS LOVE INDIANA, 5th Edit...Shop on Amazon
Lucky to Live in Indiana (A...Shop on Amazon
Birds of Indiana: Bird Watc...Shop on Amazon
The Complete Guide to India...Shop on Amazon
Dreams of Duneland: A Picto...Shop on Amazon
Hoosier Tales: Fifty Unknow...Shop on Amazon
Little Indiana: Small Town ...Shop on Amazon
Indiana Off the Beaten Path...Shop on Amazon
All About Indiana
When did Indiana become a state?
Indiana was the 19th state to enter the union on December 11th, 1816.
What is the state capital of Indiana?
Indianapolis. The Indianapolis state capitol building was completed in 1888.
State Abbreviation
IN
State Population
The state ranks 15th in the nation in terms of population. According to the latest census taken in 2010, Indiana’s population is 6,483,802.
State Size
The state of Indiana is 36,418 square miles of land and water.
State Name Origin
Indiana means land of the Indians. The name comes from the territorial name of Indiana territory before Indiana became an official state in the union.
State Motto
The state motto, adopted in 1937, is “The Crossroads of America.”
State Nickname
The Hoosier State
State Song
Written by Paul Dresser and adopted in 1913, the state song is “On the Banks of the Wabash.”
State seal
Officially adopted by the 1963 Indiana General Assembly, the state seal depicts a pioneer scene: a woodsman is felling a tree, a buffalo fleeing from the sound of the ax, and the sun gleaming over a distant hill. The seal has been in use since 1801, even though it wasn’t adopted until 1963.
State Flag
Adopted in 1917, Indiana’s state flag depicts its statehood.
- The rays symbolize far-reaching influence.
- The torch represents liberty and enlightenment.
- The 13 stars in the outer circle around the torch signify the 13 original states.
- The 5 stars in the inner arc by the torch symbolize the next 5 states admitted to the union.
- The star above the torch stands for Indiana, which was the 19th state to join the union.
State Bird
Adopted by the 1933 Indiana General Assembly, the state bird is the cardinal.
State Tree
The Tulip Tree
State Flower
The state flower, adopted in 1957, is the peony.
State Stone
Limestone
Geography
- Major Cities
- Rivers
- Big Blue River
- Blue River
- East Fork White River
- Eel River
- Flatrock River
- Kankakee River
- Maumee River
- Mississinewa River
- Ohio River
- Patoka River
- Salamonie River
- St. Joseph River
- Sugar Creek
- Tippecanoe River
- Wabash River
- Walnut Creek
- White River
- Whitewater River.
- Lakes
- Lake Wawasee
- Lake Michigan
- Brookville Lake
- Mississinewa Lake
- Monroe Lake
- Patoka Lake
- Forests
Highways
- Interstate 65
- Interstate 69
- Interstate 64
- Interstate 70
- Interstate 74
- Interstate 80
- Interstate 90
- Interstate 94
- Route 6
- Route 20
- Route 24
- Route 27
- Route 30
- Route 31
- Route 33
- Route 35
- Route 36
- Route 40
- Route 41
- Route 50
- Route 52
- Route 136
- Route 150
- Route 224
- Route 231
- Route 421
National Parks
State Parks
Famous Landmarks
- Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
- Angel Mounds State Historic Site
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- The Basilica
- Grouseland
- The Seven Pillars
Famous People
- Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was an American lawyer and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861. He was assassinated while in office.
- Larry Bird (December 7, 1956-) was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana. He led the Boston Celtics to win 3 NBA championships in 1981, 1984 and 1986.
- William Henry Harrison (February 9, 1773 -April 4, 1841 ) was the 9th president of the United States. He served the shortest term ever Dying after only 31 days in office.
- James Dean (February 8, 1931-September 30, 1955) was tragically killed in a car accident at 24 years of age. He was the first actor that received a posthumous Best Actor Oscar nomination.
- Benjamin Harrison (August 20, 1833 – March 13, 1901) civil war leader, church leader, and lawyer, and 23rd president of the United States.
- Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) a well-known musical artist, who was originally part of the Jackson 5 music group, comes from Gary, Indiana.
- Mike Pence (June 7, 1959-) was the 50th Governor of Indiana prior to being elected as the 48th Vice President of the United States.
Interesting Facts
- Santa Claus, Indiana receives over half a million letters each year.
- Indiana produces more than 20% of the United States’ popcorn supply.
- The famous “Big Peach” is in front of the produce market near Bruceville. It’s 20 feet tall and stands next to a Washington Monument replica.
- 6 Vice Presidents were from Indiana: Schuyler Colfax, Thomas A. Hendricks, Charles W. Fairbanks, Thomas Marshall, Dan Quayle and Mike Pence. They have earned Indiana the nickname “Mother of Vice Presidents.”
- The first successful goldfish farm in the United States was opened in Martinsville in 1899.
Indiana Learning Resources
