1891     President Benjamin Harrison arrived in San Francisco on a 10,000 mile, 31-day trip to the West Coast.  The children of the city stood along Van Ness Avenue and tossed flowers into the carriages of the Presidential party.  At the time, the journey was the longest ever taken by a President while in office.  On the return trip, Harrison stopped in his hometown of Indianapolis.

1898     Indiana Governor James A. Mount, responding to a request from President William McKinley, called for 4000 volunteers to fight in the war with Spain.  Indiana was the first state in the nation to meet and exceed its quota, with over 7,000 volunteers eventually involved in the war, which lasted less than four months.  

100 YEARS AGO

1920    The Indianapolis Common Council voted to increase the pay of city policewomen to $4.50 a day.  The raise brought the wage up to the same level as a patrolman.  An appropriation of $25,000 was also made to cover the expenses of the city centennial celebration coming up in June. 

1937     Lafayette city schools closed at noon so students could attend the Tom Mix Three-Ring Circus at Martin's Show Grounds.  The famous movie cowboy advertised a show with over 200 acts, three herds of elephants, 1,000 wild animals, and the world-famous Arbaugh Family, dare-devil aerial performers.  School superintendent Morris E. McCarty said he believed the show would be "of educational advantage to the children."

1956     The Four Freshmen were among the big-name recording stars performing at the Columbus auditorium.  The group was formed by Columbus brothers Ross and Don Barbour when they attended the Jordan Conservatory of Music, part of Butler University.  Joined by Ken Errair and Bob Flanigan, the quartet was named the nation's top vocal group by Downbeat Magazine three years in a row.  Also on the bill at the Columbus concert were Nat King Cole, June Christie, and the Ted Heath Orchestra.

1976     President Gerald Ford spoke to members of the Indiana Broadcasters Association at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. He discussed issues in the upcoming Presidential election.  That evening, he was an overnight guest of Otis and Beth Bowen at the Governor's Residence.  The next day the President and Governor Bowen traveled to Evansville where they spoke at the Vanderburgh County Auditorium.

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INDIANA STATEHOUSE TOUR OFFICE

Indiana Department of Administration

Due to the COVID-19 threat, the Statehouse is closed to the general public and tours have been suspended.  You may still contact the tour office by phone and e-mail.  

You are invited to take a Virtual Tour of the Statehouse by clicking the link at the bottom of the left column. 

(317) 233-5293
touroffice@idoa.in.gov  

Indiana Quick Quiz

Let's Talk Trees

1.  What is the official state tree of Indiana?

2.  What type of tree is mentioned in the official state song of Indiana?

3.  Legend has it that the signers of the first state constitution enjoyed the shade of what type of tree in Corydon?

Answers Below 

Hoosier Humor

Don't knock the weather.  Nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while.

- - - Kin Hubbard

There's No Place Like Home

     In the spring of 1891, President Benjamin Harrison's 10,000 mile western trip was the longest journey ever taken by a President while in office. His private train, with a steam locomotive and a half-dozen Pullman cars, was greeted by thousands in over 21 states.  Harrison, well-polished in oratory, gave over 150 speeches in hundreds of stops along the way.  The Presidential party traveled through Atlanta, Houston, San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Pittsburgh, and numerous other cities.  As the 31-day journey was winding down, the train entered Indiana from the west and made a stop in the small town of Montezuma. At the first stop back in the Hoosier State, the President spoke from the heart.  "My friends," he said," we have had a long journey. . . we have had cheers of welcome. . . stretching from the mountains of Tennessee. . .through Arkansas and Texas and the Pacific Coast.  Everywhere we have had the most cordial and hearty greeting, but as I cross the border line of Indiana, and meet again these old friends, I find in your welcome... (here his voice falters and tears come)... I find in your welcome a sweetness that exceeds it all."  (May 14, 1891)

ANSWERS:  1.  Tulip poplar  2.  Sycamore  3.  Elm