Indianapolis, Indiana

City nickname: Circle City, Indy, 'Naptown

Location in the state of Indiana
Founded 1821
County Marion County
Mayor Bart Peterson
Area
 - Total
 - Water

966.3 km˛ (373.1 mi˛)
Population
 - City (2000)
 - Density
 - Metropolitan

791.926
835.1/km˛
1.5 million
Time zone Does not observe DST as of 2005 (UTC –-)
Coordinates
WGS-84 (GPS)
39.7671° N 86.1582° W (http://kvaleberg.com/extensions/mapsources/index.php?params=39.7671_N_86.1582_W_region:US_type:city)
www.indygov.org

Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana. As of the census of 2000, its population is 791,926, also making it Indiana's most populous city. It is the county seat of Marion County. As of 2003, Marion County's population is 863,216.

History

Indianapolis in the 1910s

Indianapolis was founded as the state capital in 1821 by an act of the Indiana General Assembly. Prior to its official founding, Indianapolis was a sparsely settled swampy area. The first white settler is generally believed to be George Pogue, who on March 2, 1819 settled in a double log cabin along the White River in what is now White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. The state commissioned Alexander Ralston to design the new capital city. Ralston was an apprentice to the French architect Pierre L'Enfant, and he helped L'Enfant plan Washington, DC. Ralston's original plan for Indianapolis called for a city of only 1 square mile. Under Ralston's plan, at the center of the city was placed the Governor's Circle, a large circular commons, which was to be the site of the Governor's mansion. It was used as a market commons for over six years. Although an expensive Governor's mansion was finally constructed in 1827, no Governor ever lived in the house at Governor's Circle, as the site in the city center lacked any privacy. The Governor's mansion was finally demolished in 1857. (See HISTORY OF INDIANAPOLIS AND MARION COUNTY INDIANA by B.R. Sulgrove, 1884). Later, Governor's Circle became Monument Circle after the impressive 284-feet tall neoclassical limestone and bronze State Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, designed by German architect Bruno Schmitz, was completed on the site in 1901.

While the city lies on the old east-west National Road, the portion of that road that crosses Indiana was not completed until a decade after the city's founding. Indianapolis was founded on the White River under the incorrect assumption that the river would serve as a major transportation artery; however, the waterway was too sandy for trade. Through the mid-1800s, a horse-drawn barge canal by-passed the river bringing goods into the city. The Central Canal was one of eight major infrastructure projects authorized by the state's Mammoth Improvement Bill of 1835. The Central Canal was intended to run 296 miles (476 km) from near Logansport, through Indianapolis, and to Evansville. The Central Canal was planned to connect the Wabash and Erie Canal to the Ohio River, completing a link between Lake Erie in the State of Ohio with the portion of the Ohio River flowing through southern Indiana in order to promote trade and commerce along its length. Construction of the Central Canal commenced in 1836, but Indiana went bankrupt in 1839 from the loans taken out under the aforementioned bill and all work on the project ceased. At the time, the 24 mile (39 km) portion of the Indianapolis section of the canal was dug and filled, but only an 8.29 mile (13.34 km) portion connecting downtown Indianapolis with the village of Broad Ripple to the north was ever operational.

The first railroad to service Indianapolis, the Madison & Indianapolis, began operation on October 1, 1847, and subsequent railroad connections enlarged the town. The population soared from just over 8,000 in 1850 to more than 169,000 by 1900. Later, the automobile, as in most American cities, caused a suburban explosion. With automobile companies as Duesenburg, Marmon, National, and Stutz, Indianapolis was a center of production rivaling Detroit, at least for a few years. With roads as the spokes of a wheel, Indianapolis was on its way to becoming a major "hub" of regional transport connecting to Chicago, Louisville, Cincinnati, Columbus and St. Louis. Today, four interstate roads intersect in Indianapolis: routes 65, 69, 70, and 74. The city is a major trucking center, and the extensive network of highways has allowed Indianapolis to enjoy a relatively low amount of traffic congestion for a city its size.

Indianapolis entered a period of great prosperity at the beginning of the 20th century, and during this time the city witnessed great economic, social, and cultural progress. Much of this was due to the discovery of a large natural gas deposit in central Indiana in the 1890s. The state government offered a free supply of natural gas to factories that were built there. This led to a sharp increase in industries such as glass and automobile manufacturing. However, the natural gas deposits were depleted by 1915, and this contributed to an abrupt end of the golden era.

A darker period of Indianapolis history began with the rise of the second Ku Klux Klan movement in the United States. The Indiana chapter of the Klan was founded in 1920 and quickly became the most powerful Klan organization in the United States. In 1922, D. C. Stephenson was appointed the Klan Grand Dragon of Indiana and 22 other states; he promptly moved the Indiana Klan's headquarters to Indianapolis, which was already coming under the Klan's influence. The Klan became the most powerful political and social organization in the city during the period from 1921 through 1928. The Klan continued to solidify its stronghold on the state, taking over the Indiana Republican Party and using its new political might to establish a Klan-backed slate of candidates which swept state elections in 1924. The elections allowed the Klan to seize control of the Indiana General Assembly and place the corrupt Governor Edward Jackson in office. By then, more than 40 percent of the native-born white males in Indianapolis claimed membership in the Klan. Klan-backed candidates took over the City Council, the Board of School Commissioners, and the Board of County Commissioners. Through the Klan, Stephenson ruled over the State of Indiana, leading a powerful national movement set on gaining control of the United States Congress and the White House. However, the power of the Klan would quickly begin to crumble after Stephenson was convicted at the end of 1925 for the rape and murder of a young Indianapolis woman, Madge Oberholtzer. Following Stephenson's conviction, the Klan suffered a tremendous blow and quickly lost influence. When Governor Jackson refused to pardon Stephenson, he retaliated by going public with information of corruption which brought down several politicians throughout Indiana. The Mayor of Indianapolis and several local officials were convicted of bribery and jailed. Governor Jackson was indicted on charges of bribery, but he was acquitted in 1928 because the statute of limitations had run out; he completed his term in disgrace. The Klan continued to dwindle in popularity in Indiana and nationwide, and the national organization officially disbanded in 1944.

Years later, Indianapolis would witness an historic moment in the Civil Rights Movement. On April 4, 1968, while on route to a presidential campaign rally in Indianapolis, Robert F. Kennedy would learn of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. earlier that day. Kennedy would deliver an impromptu speech on race reconciliation to a mostly African-American crowd in a poor inner-city Indianapolis neighborhood. While rioting broke out in cities across the United States following the news of King's assassination, Indianapolis was the only major city where rioting did not occur.

As the result of a 1970 consolidation between city and county government (known as "Unigov"), the city of Indianapolis merged most government services with those of the county. For the most part, this resulted in a unification of Indianapolis with its immediate suburbs. Four communities within Marion County (Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport and Speedway) are partially outside of the Unigov arrangement. Also, 11 other communities (called "included towns") are legally included in the Consolidated City of Indianapolis under Unigov, per Indiana Code 36-3-1-4 sec. 4(a)(2), which states that the Consolidated City of Indianapolis includes the entire area of Marion County, except the four previously mentioned "excluded" communities. The 11 "included towns" elected to retain their "town status" under Unigov as defined according to the Indiana Constitution (there were originally 14, but 3 later dissolved), but the Indiana Constitution does not define "town status." These "included towns" are fully subject to the laws and control of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis, but some still impose a separate property tax and provide police and other services under contract with township or county government or the City of Indianapolis. Additionally, throughout Marion County certain local services such as schools, fire and police remain unconsolidated. However, the mayor of Indianapolis is also the mayor of all of Marion County, and the City-County Council sits as the legislative body for all of Marion County. Currently, Indianapolis is undergoing serious internal debate over how much, or whether, more of local taxation, government, and services should be further integrated. Further consolidation of city and county services and functions would require passage of new legislation by the Indiana General Assembly. Initially proposed by the current Mayor, Bart Peterson, a bill was introduced in the 2005 legislative session of the General Assembly which would have further consolidated local government in the City of Indianapolis and Marion County. After a very contentious and partisan debate, the Assembly passed an extremely watered-down version off the original bill; the final enacted legislation consolidates budgetary functions of the City and County, permits the Indianapolis City-County Council to vote to consolidate the Indianapolis Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff's Department, and theoretically permits consolidation of the Indianapolis Fire Department with township fire departments based upon approval of all affected parties.

Geography

The Capitol of Indiana in Indianapolis

According to the United States Census Bureau, "the balance" (that part of Marion County not part of another municipality) has a total area of 953.5 km˛ (368.2 mi˛). 936.2 km˛ (361.5 mi˛) of it is land and 17.3 km˛ (6.7 mi˛) of it is water. The total area is 1.81% water. These figures are bit misleading because they do not represent the entire Consolidated City of Indianapolis (all of Marion County, except the four "excluded" communities). The total area of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis, which does not count the four "excluded" communities, covers approximately 966.3 km˛ (373.1 mi˛).

At the center of Indianapolis is the One-Mile Square, bounded by East, West, North, and South Streets. At the center of the Square is Monument Circle, a traffic circle at the intersection of Meridian and Market Streets, featuring the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. (Monument Circle is depicted on the city’s flag, and is generally considered the city’s symbol.) Four diagonal streets pass through the corners of the Square but stop one to five blocks (depending on the street) before reaching the Circle. Nearly all of the streets in the One-Mile Square are named after U.S. states. (The street-numbering system centers not on the Circle, but rather one block to the south, where Meridian Street intersects Washington Street — National Road.)

Demographics

Note: The statistical data in this article represents the entire consolidated Indianapolis-Marion County metropolitan government. For statistical data on the portion of the governmental area that is Indianapolis only (i.e., not counting included towns), see Indianapolis (balance), Indiana. As of the census2 of 2000, there were 791,870 people, 320,107 households, and 192,704 families residing in the city, but the metropolitan population was nearing 1.5 million. The population density was 835.1/km˛ (2,163.0/mi˛). There were 352,429 housing units at an average density of 376.4/km˛ (975.0/mi˛). The racial makeup of the balance was 69.09% white, 25.50% black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 1.43% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.04% from other races, and 1.64% from two or more races. 3.92% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. The majority of the non-white population lives in the central and north portions of the inner-city area.

There are 320,107 households out of which 29.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.6% are married couples living together, 15.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% are non-families. 32.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.39 and the average family size is 3.04.

The age distribution is: 25.7% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.2 males.

The median income for a household in the balance is $40,051, and the median income for a family is $48,755. Males have a median income of $36,302 versus $27,738 for females. The per capita income is $21,640. 11.9% of the population and 9.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 16.2% of those under the age of 18 and 8.1% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Sports and Recreation

Indianapolis is the home of the Indianapolis Indians, a minor league baseball team in the International League, the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association, the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association, and the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. In addition, the headquarters of the NCAA is in Indianapolis. The city has been referred to as "The Amateur Sports Capital of the World".

Indianapolis also is the home of the Champ Car World Series, formerly known as CART, an auto racing series that competes worldwide.

Indianapolis has a large municipal park system, including Eagle Creek Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the nation.

In 1987 Indianapolis played host to the Pan American Games.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, is the site of the Indianapolis 500, an open-wheel automobile race held each Memorial Day weekend on the 2.5 mile (4 km) oval track. The track is often referred to as "the Brickyard," as it was paved with 3.2 million bricks shortly after its initial construction in 1909. Today the track is paved in asphalt, yet there remains a yard of bricks at the start/finish line.

The first 500-Mile Race (804.7 km), held in 1911, was won by driver Ray Harroun driving a Marmon Wasp. (Marmon, incidentally, was an Indianapolis manufacturer.) The "500" is currently part of the Indy Racing League series.

The Speedway also hosts the NASCAR Brickyard 400 stock car race (currently scheduled in August) and the Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix (recently moved from September to June).

As measured by the number of fans in attendance (estimated at close to 300,000), the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 are the two largest annual single-day sporting events in the world.

Education

Indianapolis is the home of Butler University, the University of Indianapolis, Marian College, and Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. The last was originally an urban conglomeration of branch campuses of the two major state universities, Indiana University in Bloomington and Purdue University in West Lafayette, created by the state legislature. A merged campus created downtown in 1969 at the site of the Indiana University School of Medicine has continuously grown, with a student body today of just under 30,000, the third-largest campus in the state.

Indianapolis has eleven unified public school districts (eight township educational authorities and three legacy districts from before the unification of city and county government) each of which provides primary, secondary, and adult education services within its boundaries. The boundaries of these districts do not exactly correspond to township (or traditional) boundaries due to political concerns and the influence of a 1971 federal court ruling which held that the Indianapolis public schools were unlawfully segregated.

Transportation

Airports

Highways

Transit

Law & Government

Until the 1990's, Indianapolis was considered to be one of the most conservative metropolitan areas in the country compared to other major U.S. cities. For 36 years Republicans dominated city/county government, 32 of which were at the mayor's office. In 1999, Democrat Bart Peterson defeated Republican Secretary of State Sue Anne Gilroy, 52 percent to 41 percent, respectively. Four years later, Peterson won in a landslide with 63 percent of the vote. However, Republicans lost control of the City-County Council by just 13 votes -- the first time Democrats seized control since the inception of Unigov. In 2004, Democratic power increased yet again in Marion County as the offices of Marion County Treasurer, Surveyor and Coroner swung their way, also the first time since Unigov. Republicans still claim other county offices such as Prosecutor, Auditor, Clerk and Recorder.

Other facts

The most common nickname for Indianapolis is ‘Indy’. Other nicknames include ‘Circle City’ (after Monument Circle) and ‘Naptown’ (presumably shortened from ‘IndiaNAPolis’, but often taken derogatorily to mean "sleepy" or "boring").

Both of the US navy ships named USS Indianapolis were named for this city.

Indianapolis is the international headquarters of the pharmaceutical corporation Eli Lilly and Company, the US headquarters of Roche Diagnostics, and the world headquarters of Dow AgroSciences.

Indianapolis's Union Station, one of the busiest rail depots in its time, employed a young Thomas Edison as a telegraph operator.

The mayor of Indianapolis (as of 2005) is Bart Peterson. Past mayors include Steve Goldsmith, Peterson's predecessor, and U.S. Senator Dick Lugar, who served in the 1970s.

Indianapolis is the second most populous capital city in the United States (including Washington, DC), after Phoenix, Arizona.

Television sitcom One Day at a Time and Men Behaving Badly were situated in Indianapolis. The opening credits of the show include a shot of the Pyramids, a set of distinctive office buildings located near the northern edge of the city.

Notable people from Indianapolis


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The opening credits of the show include a shot of the Pyramids, a set of distinctive office buildings located near the northern edge of the city.
. Television sitcom One Day at a Time and Men Behaving Badly were situated in Indianapolis. Atlanta Falcons official web site (http://www.atlantafalcons.com/)
. Indianapolis is the second most populous capital city in the United States (including Washington, DC), after Phoenix, Arizona. No Falcons' players have been elected to the Hall of Fame. Senator Dick Lugar, who served in the 1970s. Timeline / Important Years.

Past mayors include Steve Goldsmith, Peterson's predecessor, and U.S. The Atlanta Falcons are a National Football League team based in Atlanta, Georgia. The mayor of Indianapolis (as of 2005) is Bart Peterson. Eugene Robinson. Indianapolis's Union Station, one of the busiest rail depots in its time, employed a young Thomas Edison as a telegraph operator. Andre Rison. Indianapolis is the international headquarters of the pharmaceutical corporation Eli Lilly and Company, the US headquarters of Roche Diagnostics, and the world headquarters of Dow AgroSciences. Bill Fralic.

Both of the US navy ships named USS Indianapolis were named for this city. Chris Miller. Other nicknames include ‘Circle City’ (after Monument Circle) and ‘Naptown’ (presumably shortened from ‘IndiaNAPolis’, but often taken derogatorily to mean "sleepy" or "boring"). Jamal Anderson. The most common nickname for Indianapolis is ‘Indy’. Deion Sanders. Republicans still claim other county offices such as Prosecutor, Auditor, Clerk and Recorder. Billy "White Shoes" Johnson.

In 2004, Democratic power increased yet again in Marion County as the offices of Marion County Treasurer, Surveyor and Coroner swung their way, also the first time since Unigov. Jessie Tuggle. However, Republicans lost control of the City-County Council by just 13 votes -- the first time Democrats seized control since the inception of Unigov. Mike Kenn. In 1999, Democrat Bart Peterson defeated Republican Secretary of State Sue Anne Gilroy, 52 percent to 41 percent, respectively. Four years later, Peterson won in a landslide with 63 percent of the vote. 10 Steve Bartkowski. cities. For 36 years Republicans dominated city/county government, 32 of which were at the mayor's office. Falcon").

Until the 1990's, Indianapolis was considered to be one of the most conservative metropolitan areas in the country compared to other major U.S. 60 Tommy Nobis ("Mr. Transit. 57 Jeff Van Note. Highways. 31 William Andrews. Airports. Duckett.

The boundaries of these districts do not exactly correspond to township (or traditional) boundaries due to political concerns and the influence of a 1971 federal court ruling which held that the Indianapolis public schools were unlawfully segregated. T.J. Indianapolis has eleven unified public school districts (eight township educational authorities and three legacy districts from before the unification of city and county government) each of which provides primary, secondary, and adult education services within its boundaries. Alge Crumpler. A merged campus created downtown in 1969 at the site of the Indiana University School of Medicine has continuously grown, with a student body today of just under 30,000, the third-largest campus in the state. Warrick Dunn. The last was originally an urban conglomeration of branch campuses of the two major state universities, Indiana University in Bloomington and Purdue University in West Lafayette, created by the state legislature. Patrick Kerney.

Indianapolis is the home of Butler University, the University of Indianapolis, Marian College, and Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. Michael Vick. As measured by the number of fans in attendance (estimated at close to 300,000), the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 are the two largest annual single-day sporting events in the world. Rich Coady. Grand Prix (recently moved from September to June). Keith Brooking. The Speedway also hosts the NASCAR Brickyard 400 stock car race (currently scheduled in August) and the Formula 1 U.S. The team advances to NFC Championship game before falling to the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10.

(Marmon, incidentally, was an Indianapolis manufacturer.) The "500" is currently part of the Indy Racing League series. Mora, the Falcons go 11-5 and win NFC South easily. The first 500-Mile Race (804.7 km), held in 1911, was won by driver Ray Harroun driving a Marmon Wasp. 2004 - Buoyed by the return of QB Michael Vick and energized by new head coach Jim L. Today the track is paved in asphalt, yet there remains a yard of bricks at the start/finish line. The Falcons draft Virginia Tech CB DeAngelo Hall with the 8th pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. The track is often referred to as "the Brickyard," as it was paved with 3.2 million bricks shortly after its initial construction in 1909. With 3 games left in the season, coach Dan Reeves resigns, handing the team to his defensive coordinator and former Bills coach Wade Phillips.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, is the site of the Indianapolis 500, an open-wheel automobile race held each Memorial Day weekend on the 2.5 mile (4 km) oval track. 2003 - After star QB Michael Vick breaks his leg in the preseason, the Falcons suffer through a 5-11 season. In 1987 Indianapolis played host to the Pan American Games. Who is to become the face of the franchise. Indianapolis has a large municipal park system, including Eagle Creek Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the nation. With that pick they selected Mike Vick. Indianapolis also is the home of the Champ Car World Series, formerly known as CART, an auto racing series that competes worldwide. 2001 - Trade the #3 pick along with Tim Dwight to the San Diego Chargers for the #1 pick in the draft.

The city has been referred to as "The Amateur Sports Capital of the World". Once there, however, they lost, 34-19 to the Denver Broncos. In addition, the headquarters of the NCAA is in Indianapolis. With a 14-2 final record and winners of the NFC West, the Falcons would reach Super Bowl XXXIII after upsetting the 15-1 Vikings at Minnesota in the NFC Championship Game. Indianapolis is the home of the Indianapolis Indians, a minor league baseball team in the International League, the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association, the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association, and the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. On November 8, they won 41-10 over the Patriots at New England, snapping a streak of 22 consecutive losses at cold-weather sites in November and December that had dated back to 1982. Out of the total population, 16.2% of those under the age of 18 and 8.1% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line. 1998 - Led by QB Chris Chandler and RB Jamal Anderson, the Falcons have their greatest season to date.

11.9% of the population and 9.1% of families are below the poverty line. They go on to lose to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The per capita income is $21,640. 1995 - In the final game of the season, the Falcons beat the San Francisco 49ers to secure a playoff spot. Males have a median income of $36,302 versus $27,738 for females. 1992 - The Georgia Dome becomes the new home for the Atlanta Falcons, as they move from the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The median income for a household in the balance is $40,051, and the median income for a family is $48,755. 1982 - The Falcons make the playoffs in this strike-shortened season with a record of 5-4, and lose to the Minnesota Vikings in Minnesota.

For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.2 males. 1980 - Another playoff berth for the Falcons, as they win the NFC West, but again lose to the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs. For every 100 females there are 93.7 males. 1978 - The Falcons make the playoffs for the first time, and beat visiting Philadelphia Eagles, but lose to the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas. The median age is 34 years. 1977 - The Falcons defense sets an NFL record for the fewest points allowed in a 14 game season, 129. The age distribution is: 25.7% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who are 65 years of age or older. 1972 - The Falcons finish second in the NFC West — their highest division finish in franchise history up to that point.

The average household size is 2.39 and the average family size is 3.04. 1971 - The Falcons finish with a winning record for the first time, at 7-6-1. 32.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. Miami Dolphins. There are 320,107 households out of which 29.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.6% are married couples living together, 15.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% are non-families. 30 vs. The majority of the non-white population lives in the central and north portions of the inner-city area. 1970 - First Monday Night Football game in Atlanta - Nov.

3.92% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. He amasses 294 total tackles a franchise record that stands today. The racial makeup of the balance was 69.09% white, 25.50% black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 1.43% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.04% from other races, and 1.64% from two or more races. The aforementioned Nobis wins the NFL Rookie of the Year Award and becomes the first Falcon named to the Pro Bowl. There were 352,429 housing units at an average density of 376.4/km˛ (975.0/mi˛). 1966 - The Falcons play their first NFL season. The population density was 835.1/km˛ (2,163.0/mi˛). They draft Tommy Nobis, LB, University of Texas with the 1st pick of the 1966 NFL Draft (http://www.profootballhof.com/history/general/draft/1966.jsp) held on November 27, 1965, making him the first ever Falcon.

As of the census2 of 2000, there were 791,870 people, 320,107 households, and 192,704 families residing in the city, but the metropolitan population was nearing 1.5 million. Smith Sr. For statistical data on the portion of the governmental area that is Indianapolis only (i.e., not counting included towns), see Indianapolis (balance), Indiana. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, grants ownership to Rankin M. Note: The statistical data in this article represents the entire consolidated Indianapolis-Marion County metropolitan government. 1965 - The Atlanta Falcons are born. (The street-numbering system centers not on the Circle, but rather one block to the south, where Meridian Street intersects Washington Street — National Road.).

states. Nearly all of the streets in the One-Mile Square are named after U.S. (Monument Circle is depicted on the city’s flag, and is generally considered the city’s symbol.) Four diagonal streets pass through the corners of the Square but stop one to five blocks (depending on the street) before reaching the Circle. At the center of the Square is Monument Circle, a traffic circle at the intersection of Meridian and Market Streets, featuring the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

At the center of Indianapolis is the One-Mile Square, bounded by East, West, North, and South Streets. The total area of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis, which does not count the four "excluded" communities, covers approximately 966.3 km˛ (373.1 mi˛). These figures are bit misleading because they do not represent the entire Consolidated City of Indianapolis (all of Marion County, except the four "excluded" communities). The total area is 1.81% water.

936.2 km˛ (361.5 mi˛) of it is land and 17.3 km˛ (6.7 mi˛) of it is water. According to the United States Census Bureau, "the balance" (that part of Marion County not part of another municipality) has a total area of 953.5 km˛ (368.2 mi˛). After a very contentious and partisan debate, the Assembly passed an extremely watered-down version off the original bill; the final enacted legislation consolidates budgetary functions of the City and County, permits the Indianapolis City-County Council to vote to consolidate the Indianapolis Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff's Department, and theoretically permits consolidation of the Indianapolis Fire Department with township fire departments based upon approval of all affected parties. Initially proposed by the current Mayor, Bart Peterson, a bill was introduced in the 2005 legislative session of the General Assembly which would have further consolidated local government in the City of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Further consolidation of city and county services and functions would require passage of new legislation by the Indiana General Assembly. Currently, Indianapolis is undergoing serious internal debate over how much, or whether, more of local taxation, government, and services should be further integrated. However, the mayor of Indianapolis is also the mayor of all of Marion County, and the City-County Council sits as the legislative body for all of Marion County. Additionally, throughout Marion County certain local services such as schools, fire and police remain unconsolidated.

The 11 "included towns" elected to retain their "town status" under Unigov as defined according to the Indiana Constitution (there were originally 14, but 3 later dissolved), but the Indiana Constitution does not define "town status." These "included towns" are fully subject to the laws and control of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis, but some still impose a separate property tax and provide police and other services under contract with township or county government or the City of Indianapolis. 4(a)(2), which states that the Consolidated City of Indianapolis includes the entire area of Marion County, except the four previously mentioned "excluded" communities. Also, 11 other communities (called "included towns") are legally included in the Consolidated City of Indianapolis under Unigov, per Indiana Code 36-3-1-4 sec. Four communities within Marion County (Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport and Speedway) are partially outside of the Unigov arrangement.

For the most part, this resulted in a unification of Indianapolis with its immediate suburbs. As the result of a 1970 consolidation between city and county government (known as "Unigov"), the city of Indianapolis merged most government services with those of the county. While rioting broke out in cities across the United States following the news of King's assassination, Indianapolis was the only major city where rioting did not occur. Kennedy would deliver an impromptu speech on race reconciliation to a mostly African-American crowd in a poor inner-city Indianapolis neighborhood.

earlier that day. Kennedy would learn of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. On April 4, 1968, while on route to a presidential campaign rally in Indianapolis, Robert F. Years later, Indianapolis would witness an historic moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

The Klan continued to dwindle in popularity in Indiana and nationwide, and the national organization officially disbanded in 1944. Governor Jackson was indicted on charges of bribery, but he was acquitted in 1928 because the statute of limitations had run out; he completed his term in disgrace. The Mayor of Indianapolis and several local officials were convicted of bribery and jailed. When Governor Jackson refused to pardon Stephenson, he retaliated by going public with information of corruption which brought down several politicians throughout Indiana.

Following Stephenson's conviction, the Klan suffered a tremendous blow and quickly lost influence. However, the power of the Klan would quickly begin to crumble after Stephenson was convicted at the end of 1925 for the rape and murder of a young Indianapolis woman, Madge Oberholtzer. Through the Klan, Stephenson ruled over the State of Indiana, leading a powerful national movement set on gaining control of the United States Congress and the White House. Klan-backed candidates took over the City Council, the Board of School Commissioners, and the Board of County Commissioners.

By then, more than 40 percent of the native-born white males in Indianapolis claimed membership in the Klan. The elections allowed the Klan to seize control of the Indiana General Assembly and place the corrupt Governor Edward Jackson in office. The Klan continued to solidify its stronghold on the state, taking over the Indiana Republican Party and using its new political might to establish a Klan-backed slate of candidates which swept state elections in 1924. The Klan became the most powerful political and social organization in the city during the period from 1921 through 1928.

Stephenson was appointed the Klan Grand Dragon of Indiana and 22 other states; he promptly moved the Indiana Klan's headquarters to Indianapolis, which was already coming under the Klan's influence. C. In 1922, D. The Indiana chapter of the Klan was founded in 1920 and quickly became the most powerful Klan organization in the United States.

A darker period of Indianapolis history began with the rise of the second Ku Klux Klan movement in the United States. However, the natural gas deposits were depleted by 1915, and this contributed to an abrupt end of the golden era. This led to a sharp increase in industries such as glass and automobile manufacturing. The state government offered a free supply of natural gas to factories that were built there.

Much of this was due to the discovery of a large natural gas deposit in central Indiana in the 1890s. Indianapolis entered a period of great prosperity at the beginning of the 20th century, and during this time the city witnessed great economic, social, and cultural progress. The city is a major trucking center, and the extensive network of highways has allowed Indianapolis to enjoy a relatively low amount of traffic congestion for a city its size. Today, four interstate roads intersect in Indianapolis: routes 65, 69, 70, and 74.

Louis. With roads as the spokes of a wheel, Indianapolis was on its way to becoming a major "hub" of regional transport connecting to Chicago, Louisville, Cincinnati, Columbus and St. With automobile companies as Duesenburg, Marmon, National, and Stutz, Indianapolis was a center of production rivaling Detroit, at least for a few years. The population soared from just over 8,000 in 1850 to more than 169,000 by 1900. Later, the automobile, as in most American cities, caused a suburban explosion.

The first railroad to service Indianapolis, the Madison & Indianapolis, began operation on October 1, 1847, and subsequent railroad connections enlarged the town. At the time, the 24 mile (39 km) portion of the Indianapolis section of the canal was dug and filled, but only an 8.29 mile (13.34 km) portion connecting downtown Indianapolis with the village of Broad Ripple to the north was ever operational. Construction of the Central Canal commenced in 1836, but Indiana went bankrupt in 1839 from the loans taken out under the aforementioned bill and all work on the project ceased. The Central Canal was planned to connect the Wabash and Erie Canal to the Ohio River, completing a link between Lake Erie in the State of Ohio with the portion of the Ohio River flowing through southern Indiana in order to promote trade and commerce along its length.

The Central Canal was one of eight major infrastructure projects authorized by the state's Mammoth Improvement Bill of 1835. The Central Canal was intended to run 296 miles (476 km) from near Logansport, through Indianapolis, and to Evansville. Through the mid-1800s, a horse-drawn barge canal by-passed the river bringing goods into the city. Indianapolis was founded on the White River under the incorrect assumption that the river would serve as a major transportation artery; however, the waterway was too sandy for trade. While the city lies on the old east-west National Road, the portion of that road that crosses Indiana was not completed until a decade after the city's founding.

Later, Governor's Circle became Monument Circle after the impressive 284-feet tall neoclassical limestone and bronze State Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, designed by German architect Bruno Schmitz, was completed on the site in 1901. Sulgrove, 1884). (See HISTORY OF INDIANAPOLIS AND MARION COUNTY INDIANA by B.R. The Governor's mansion was finally demolished in 1857.

Although an expensive Governor's mansion was finally constructed in 1827, no Governor ever lived in the house at Governor's Circle, as the site in the city center lacked any privacy. It was used as a market commons for over six years. Under Ralston's plan, at the center of the city was placed the Governor's Circle, a large circular commons, which was to be the site of the Governor's mansion. Ralston's original plan for Indianapolis called for a city of only 1 square mile.

Ralston was an apprentice to the French architect Pierre L'Enfant, and he helped L'Enfant plan Washington, DC. The state commissioned Alexander Ralston to design the new capital city. The first white settler is generally believed to be George Pogue, who on March 2, 1819 settled in a double log cabin along the White River in what is now White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. Prior to its official founding, Indianapolis was a sparsely settled swampy area.

Indianapolis was founded as the state capital in 1821 by an act of the Indiana General Assembly. As of 2003, Marion County's population is 863,216. It is the county seat of Marion County. As of the census of 2000, its population is 791,926, also making it Indiana's most populous city.

state of Indiana. Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. Kurt Vonnegut, novelist. Booth Tarkington, Novelist author of many books, including The Magnificent Ambersons.

Marc Summers, game show host. Ted Stevens, U.S. Senator from Alaska. Oscar Robertson, Basketball Hall of Famer (born in Tennessee, but grew up in Indianapolis). James Whitcomb Riley, writer (born in nearby Greenfield).

vice president. Dan Quayle, former U.S. Jane Pauley, television personality. Wes Montgomery, jazz guitarist.

Jake Lloyd, actor (resident),. David Letterman, talk show host. president (born in North Bend, Ohio). Benjamin Harrison, U.S.

Michael Graves, architect. Fox, actress. Vivica A. Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, R&B music producer and performer.

John Dillinger, bank robber. Joyce DeWitt, comedy actress (born in West Virginia, but grew up in the suburb of Speedway). Senator from Washington. Maria Cantwell, U.S.

Philip Warren Anderson, theoretical physicist and 1977 Nobel Prize winner. Margaret Caroline Anderson, founder and editor of The Little Review. Central Indiana Commuter Services (CICS) funded by IndyGo to reduce pollution serves Indianapolis and surrounding counties. Six Major Interstates serve the Indianapolis area including I-70, I-74, I-65, I-69, I-465 Beltway, and I-865 Connector.

Indianapolis International Airport serves Indianapolis and Marion County.