9 Facts About Indiana You Probably Didn’t Know
Now that Indiana Governor Mike Pence has been named as Donald Trump's running mate, the national spotlight is shining on our great state. Here are some interesting facts about the Hoosier state that you most likely didn't learn in school.
1. Indiana is known as the 'Mother of Vice Presidents'
Five former Vice Presidents have come from Indiana. And now Mike Pence is hoping to become number six.
2. Indiana had the first chapel installed in any capitol in the U.S.
The chapel was built in 1962 as a tribute to Elizabeth Bowen, wife of Governor Otis Bowen. The “meditation room” is located in the south wing of the fourth floor of the Indiana Statehouse.
3. The first reported train robbery happened in Indiana
Back on October 6, 1866, the infamous Jesse James and the less infamous Reno brothers (Frank and John) held up and robbed a train heading east through Indiana.
4. Indiana produces 20% of the country’s popcorn
You're welcome America...well, at least you're 1/5 welcome.
5. The first professional baseball game was played in Indiana
No, it wasn't at Bosse Field. The first professional baseball game was played in Fort Wayne in 1871.
6. Colonel Sanders was actually born in Indiana, not Kentucky
Colonel Harland David Sanders was born in Henryville, IN back in 1890.
7. The official state drink of Indiana is water
It's true. Water became the official beverage of Indiana in 2007. I'm waiting for a coalition of west siders to get together and push to make SKI the new official drink.
8. The gas pump was invented in Indiana
The kerosene pump was patented back in 1885 by inventor (and future Harry Potter character) Sylvanus Freelove Boswer in Fort Wayne.
9. Indiana almost had a replica of the Great Pyramids and Great Wall of China
This started to happen in Bedford, Indiana, the "limestone capital of the world." Bedford wanted the world to recognize the importance and awesomeness of limestone, which helped build the Empire State Building and the Pentagon. Builders started on the project, even receiving some money from the government, but were quickly shut down. Find more info here.
Facts courtesy of onlyinyourstate.com.