Indiana ( The Hoosier State ) Indiana means "land of the Indians." It joined the Union in 1816 as the 19th state. Indiana is a small state with a large population. The state's nickname is "Hoosier State" and its residents are commonly referred to as "Hoosiers" although no one seems certain just how the name originated. Maybe it has its origins in "Who's there?". This way the Indiana pioneers greeted strangers. It could also come from "husher", a colloquial term for someone, who uses his fists to keep someone else from speaking (="to hush"). Indiana is a state of mostly small towns and midsize cities. Its largest city and capital is Indianapolis, where the nation's most famous auto race, the Indianapolis 500, is held each year. Indiana has broad, fertile plains and is a part of the Corn Belt; but, it is also a manufacturing center. The varied landscape of the state offers a wide variety of activities. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Indiana include: Brendan Fraser, Larry Bird, Stephen Sommers, Don Mattingly, The Flag of Indiana Entered the Union in 1816 as the 19th State; flag adopted in 1917. The outer ring of stars is for the original States, the inner ring for those up to and including Indiana. Enlightenment and liberty spreading throughout the land are represented by the torch and rays.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Indianapolis, 1,586,173 (MSA); Fort Wayne, 205,727; Evansville, 121,582; South Bend, 107,789; Gary, 102,746; Hammond, 83,048; Bloomington, 69,291; Muncie, 67,430; Anderson, 59,734; Terre Haute, 59,614   Business and Trade in Indiana Agriculture: Corn, soybeans, hogs, cattle, dairy products, eggs. Industries: Steel, electric equipment, transportation equipment, chemical products, petroleum and coal products, machinery. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Cardinal Flower: Peony Tree: Tulip tree (liriodendron tulipifera) Song(s): On the banks of the Wabash Motto: The Crossroads of America Indiana Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Mississinewa Lake - Peru • George Rogers Clark National Historical Park - Vincennes • Ohio River Scenic Route - Indiana - Madison • Cannelton Lock And Dam +Ohio River - Cannelton • Cagles Mill Lake - Poland

Capital: Indianapolis     Local Weather  Statehood: 1816-12-11  Population: 6,080,485 (169.5 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 36,417.73     Water 550.83     Land 35,866.90     Rank 38th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In Indiana, there are 2,532,319 housing units, averaging to 70.6 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     Indiana Game & Fish     Inside Indiana Magazine   Posters and Artwork Downtown, Logansport, Indiana Art Print 17" x 11" • Indiana University of Pennsylvania Art Print 28" x 22" • Union Station, Indianapolis, Indiana Art Print 11" x 17" • Broadway, Gary, Indiana Pre-Matted Print 14" x 11" • Greyhound Bus Station, Evansville, Indiana Art Print 17" x 11" • University, Bloomington, Indiana Art Print 17" x 11"