From the Cataloger’s Desk: How Well Do You Know Your Indiana History?

April 4, 2019

As a former teacher, I always get excited when school materials come my way. I recently cataloged several Indiana history and government workbooks from the 1930s. Like most, I was required to take courses on both topics during my career as a student. I like to think my knowledge is above average – after all, I work at the Indiana Historical Society, and history is one of my passions. After cracking open these workbooks, however, I quickly realized how woefully rusty I have become over the years. See if you fare any better with the following questions:

From: 20th Century Workbook in Indiana Government …

1. What towns were the territorial capitals of Indiana?
2. Who was elected Indiana’s first state governor?
3. How many counties are there in Indiana?

From: Indiana History

4. The first white explorers in the Northwest Territory found the country south of the Great Lakes inhabited by what tribe of Indians?
5. Who was the first governor of Indiana to be born within the state?
6. When and where was the first college in Indiana founded?

From: Indiana History: (Text-Workbook Edition)

7. What was the first road constructed north and south across the state? East and west?
8. Which county is the largest in area?
9. What is the official Indiana state flower?

I’ll give you the answers in my next blog post. If you struggle with these questions, or simply want to learn more about Indiana and how its government operates, stop by the library for a crash course!

Lindsay Borman is the cataloger of Printed Collections at the Indiana Historical Society. Her claim to fame: She can name all of the U.S. presidents ... in order!

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