The Shaping of the Crossroads of America

NARRATOR: This Indiana Bicentennial minute is made possible by the Indiana Historical Society and law firm of Krieg DeVault.

Images of the nature of Indiana is shown. Maps of central United States is shown.

PAULEY: Indiana was originally part of the vast Indiana Territory which included Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and parts of both Wisconsin and Minnesota. When Indiana became a state in 1816, Congress moved its border 10 miles north giving Hoosiers access to Lake Michigan.

Images of maps showing Indiana, the new borders of Indiana, and then settlements and cities of Indiana.

PAULEY: There were early French Settlements at Fort Wayne, Lafayette and Vincennes but most Indiana settlers moved from south to north as Indian tribes were forced to sell their land.

Images are shown of Native Americans, then buildings of the first state capital, Croydon.

PAULEY: Croydon was the first state capital before the seat of government moved to centrally located Indianapolis. First rivers, than canals, railroads and eventually highways made Indiana the crossroads of America. I’m Jane Pauley with this Indiana Bicentennial Minute.

NARRATOR: Made possible by the Indiana Historical Society and law firm of Krieg DeVault.