Indiana is the 19th state to be admitted to the Union, on December 11, 1816.
Early HistoryPaleo-Indians were the first recorded inhabitants in the region of Indiana before it was explored by the Europeans. These people were nomads who inhabited the region around 8,000 BC.
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The first European to reach Indiana was the French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieu de La Salle in 1679. Fur trading began during these years and the first trading post was created by 1702. It was established near Vincennes by Sieur Juchereau. He later established number of monuments, including Fort Miami, now Fort Wayne, and another fur trading post. By 1730s Canadians fur traders and settlers inhabited the region before it was claimed by the British during 1750s fighting.
Supported by the Native Americans, all the land west of the colonies was lost during the war with the English in 1763. During the Pontiac's Rebellion, tribes neighboring the region destroyed Fort Quiatenon and Fort Miami. The rebellion was launched by a handful Native Americans who were dissatisfied with British postwar policies. In 1763, the region was renamed as Indian territory
Statehood
During the starting of the American Revolution in 1775, the colonist rebelled against the British forces. The war was fought mostly in the east and by 1779, Vincennes and Fort Sackville were overtaken. George Rogers Clark, a military officer, won many battles against the British and by the end of the war, the land south of the Great Lake was given up by the English. It became part of the Northwest Territory in 1787. After Ohio and Illinois were formed, the region was reduced to its current size. On November 7, 1811, the Battle of Tippecanoe was fought between United States forces and forces of Tecumseh's American Indian confederation. Tecumseh was killed during the Battle of Thames in 1813. Indiana was the nineteenth state to be admitted to the Union on December 11, 1816. Nine years later, the capital was moved from Corydon to Indianapolis. During the nineteenth century, many people immigrated to Indiana.
Recent HistoryIndiana played an important role during the American Civil War. The Battle of Corydon was the only battle fought in the state. After the civil war was over, industries in the city expanded. Due to the Indiana Gas Boom, the state saw rapid industrialization during the nineteenth century. The Great Depression affected the state's economy. It led to decline of urbanization, which resulted in reduction of spending and taxes. The economic situation improved after World War II. The demand of steel, food, and other necessities increased the economy and by the end of the War, the levels of production increased.
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