1812     The Battle of Mississinewa was fought in Grant County.  United States forces under William Henry Harrison defeated Native American warriors along the Mississinewa River.  It was the first U. S. Victory in the War of 1812. 

1899     Paul D. "Tony" Hinkle was born in Logansport.  He became a legendary coach, spending nearly 50 years at Butler University.  He started at Butler in 1921 when the campus was still in Irvington.

1904     Abe Martin first appeared in The Indianapolis News.  Created by artist Kin Hubbard, Abe (pictured) was a country philosopher famous for his "sayings."  Indiana's Brown County State Park pays tribute to Kin Hubbard and his characters.  A few quotes from Abe Martin are listed on the right.

1929     Citizens of Madison, Indiana, and Milton, Kentucky, turned out in coats and scarves to dedicate the new toll bridge connecting the two cities.  The occasion marked the retirement of ferry boats which had served the communities for many years.  This bridge was replaced by a new one in 2014.

1948     Over 1,400 children packed the Indiana Statehouse for a Christmas party sponsored by state employees and the Salvation Army.  Santa Claus and Governor Ralph Gates handed out toys of all kinds.  The top gift was a three-foot doll donated by actress Shirley Temple.

1956     The bust of Sherman Minton was unveiled at the Indiana Statehouse.  Minton spoke at the ceremony which was hosted by Governor George Craig.  One of only two native Hoosiers to serve on the United States Supreme Court, Minton grew up in Floyd County.  

Christmas Tree in the Governor's Office at the Indiana Statehouse

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INDIANA STATEHOUSE TOUR OFFICE

Indiana Department of Administration

Indiana Quick Quiz

1.  The movie "A Christmas Story" takes place in what Indiana city?

2.  In "A Christmas Story," what does Ralphie want Santa to bring him?

3.  Which Indiana author wrote the book upon which "A Christmas Story" is based?

Answers Below 

A Few Samples of Abe Martin's "Sayings"

Honesty pays, but not enough for some people

It ain't that they don't know nothin', it's just that they know so much that ain't so

A bee is never as busy as it seems, it's just that it can't buzz any slower

Guided tours of the Indiana Statehouse are offered Monday through Saturday. 
For more information, go to our website listed at the bottom of this page.
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Congratulations to Statehood Day Essay Winners

     Hundreds of fourth-graders came to the Indiana Statehouse on December 11 to celebrate the state's 202nd birthday.  Students across the state wrote essays on the topic "Why I am Proud to be a Hoosier."  The winners were:  First place:  Mylee Sinn from Van Rensselaer Elementary School in Rensselaer;  Second place:  Joe Gregory from Maple Grove Elementary in Bargersville;  Third place:  Ashlynn Durham Pugh from Highland Elementary in Evansville;  Fourth place:  Bella Cerrie from Christ the King Catholic School in Indianapolis.  

Answers:  1.  Hammond  2. The Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred Shot Range Model Air Rifle  3.  Jean Shepherd