HOOSIER HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS: The General Assembly Meets in the New Statehouse

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Hoosier History Highlights

December 30 - January 5

This Week in Indiana History


1887     The Indiana General Assembly began the session in the new Statehouse in Indianapolis.  The building, under construction since 1878, had not officially opened.  However, the chambers for the Senate and House of Representatives were ready for use.  


1900     Service began on an Interurban line from Indianapolis to Greenwood to Franklin and back.  Riders could purchase six tickets for 25 cents.  By 1910, every city within a 120-mile radius of Indianapolis could be reached by electric Interurban cars.  


Microphone

     1921     Francis P. Hamilton launched the first Indianapolis radio station.  The first studio was in Hamilton's garage on North Alabama Street.  Mayor Samuel "Lew" Shank spoke on the air for the first broadcast.  Pictured:  A 1920s era radio microphone.  


Packard

1921     John C. Ruckleshaus, president of the Columbia Club in Indianapolis, announced that his organization would play a major role in the upcoming inauguration of President Warren G. Harding.  It was noted that Harding would be the first President in history to ride to his inauguration in an automobile.  Pictured:  A 1921 Packard similar to the one in which Harding rode to his swearing-in ceremony.  


1938     Tests were conducted on a new device that could measure alcohol by means of a breath test.  Developed by Indiana University biochemist Dr. Rolla N. Harger, the "drunkometer" was first used by the Indiana State Police on New Year's Eve, 1938.  


Map

1970     Indianapolis adopted "Uni-Gov," which expanded the city's boundaries to include nearly all of Marion County.  Overnight, the Indiana capital went from the 26th to the 11th largest city in America.  


Camera

HOOSIER HISTORY ON CAMERA

Join us every Friday morning at 9:00 for "Indiana H3 Live."  In a fast five minutes we discuss history highlights live from the Statehouse.  Tune to Facebook Live @Indiana Statehouse Tour Office and Education Center. 

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Seal of Indiana

INDIANA STATEHOUSE TOUR OFFICE

Indiana Department of Administration


Indiana Quick Quiz

Questions about the Indiana State Seal (shown above)

1.  What animal is shown on the Seal?

2.  What type of tree is the woodman chopping down?

3.  What type of tree leaves adorn the rim of the Seal?

Answers Below 


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.
Note: The Statehouse will be closed on Tuesday, New Year's Day
(317) 233-5293
captours@idoa.in.gov

Statehouse Virtual Tour

DID YOU KNOW?

    During the first half of the 20th century, Indiana had the second largest Interurban system in the nation (second only to Ohio.)  Vestiges can be found in Indianapolis where roads such Stop 8, Stop 11, and Stop 12 are named for locations where riders boarded or alighted from the electric coaches.  


Answers:  1.  Bison  2. Sycamore Tree  3. Leaves of the tulip poplar tree