Indianapolis Indiana History

Indianapolis has had one of the largest networks of railroads in the nation, and where hundreds of trains passed through daily. The Wholesale District was of primary importance in the transformation of Indianapolis from small town to big city as a central location for buying items at wholesale prices. With Union Station nearby, wholesalers could ship goods more cheaply and more easily.

Since 1995, more than $686 million was invested in the area, transforming it into the city's premier arts and entertainment district. Recent additions include more than 35 new businesses, Circle Centre, Conseco Field house, and a number of upscale restaurants.

In 1800, a bill was introduced in the House of Representatives providing for the division of the Northwest Territory into two separate governments. It was approved by President John Adams in May of 1800. The passage of this act left the present state of Ohio, approximately half of Michigan and the piece in southeastern Indiana in the Northwest Territory, constituting the remainder of the original Northwest Territory as Indiana Territory.