Indiana is one of the 12 Midwestern states in the United States. Indiana’s name means Land of the Indians, or simply Indian Land and stems from Indiana’s territorial history.
- Capital – Indianapolis
- Admitted to the Union – December 11, 1816 (19th state)
Indianapolis
Colloquially known as Indy, Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and is situated in the state’s central region along the west fork of the White River. The city’s official slogan, Crossroads of America, reflects its historic importance as a transportation hub and its relative proximity to other major North American markets. We have visited this city a few times over the years, more recently in 2022.
- Indiana Capitol Building in Indianapolis
- Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument
- Indiana World War Memorial Plaza
Indiana Capitol Building in Indianapolis – The building is known for its elegant design and is constructed with Indiana limestone and includes granite columns, marble floors, and a dome. The current Statehouse is the fifth building to serve as Indiana’s capitol, replacing an earlier structure built in 1835. We went on a guided tour of the building.
Indiana Capitol Building in Indianapolis, Oliver P. Morton and Reliefs – This memorial by an Austrian artist, is located in front of the capital building. The Oliver P. Morton memorial is composed of 3 bronze statues and 2 bronze reliefs, one plaque on the front, and two plaques on the rear, also of bronze. The pedestals on which the statues stand are made of granite. Oliver Perry Morton stands positioned in the center, raised above the other two figures by a full figure’s height. 2 Union soldiers flank either side of Morton.
Indiana Capitol Building in Indianapolis, Rotunda – The interior of the building features a stunning rotunda where important events are held. The Rotunda is topped with a beautiful stained-glass dome and is supported by eight granite columns.
Indiana Capitol Building in Indianapolis, Legislative chambers – The capitol building houses the chambers of Senate and House of Representatives on the third floor. Both chambers have undergone renovations to accommodate modern technology and public viewing.
Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument – Located within a few meters of the Indianapolis Capital building and in the heart of downtown in Monument Circle, this neoclassical monument is a 284ft 6in tall. You can get a clear view of this monument from the front entrance of the State Capital building. In the years since its public dedication in 1902, the monument has become an iconic symbol of Indianapolis and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 13, 1973.
The monument was originally designed to honor Indiana’s Civil War veterans. It now commemorates the valor of Hoosier veterans who served in all wars prior to WWI, including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Frontier Wars and the Spanish-American War. One of the most popular parts of the monument is the observation deck with a 360-degree view of the city skyline from 275 feet up.
Indiana World War Memorial Plaza – is an urban feature and war memorial located in downtown Indianapolis and was originally built to honor the veterans of World War I. The Plaza includes the 30,000 square foot IWM Museum complete with military equipment and artifacts, three parks, four fountains, and 25 acres of monuments, statues, and sculptures.
