State of Indiana
Nicknames: The Hoosier State
Motto(s): The Crossroads of America
Date of Statehood: December 11, 1816 (19th state)
State Song: “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away” by Paul Dresser
Indiana Flag History
The flag of Indiana, designed by Paul Hadley and adopted in 1917, is a symbol of the state’s pride and history. The flag’s field is a deep blue with nineteen stars, representing Indiana’s place as the 19th state to join the Union. The outer circle of thirteen stars symbolizes the original thirteen colonies, the inner semi-circle of five stars represents the next five states admitted, and the large star above the torch signifies Indiana.
At the flag’s center is a torch, representing liberty and enlightenment, with rays that symbolize their far-reaching influence. The torch is flanked by two stalks of corn, signifying Indiana’s agricultural heritage.
The Indiana flag’s design is a reminder of the state’s journey through history, its values, and its progress. Despite its simplicity, the flag embodies Indiana’s commitment to liberty, enlightenment, and the state’s significant role in the nation’s agricultural and industrial sectors. It is a symbol of Indiana’s identity, its rich heritage, and its enduring spirit.
Indiana Quick Facts
Capital City: Indianapolis
Abbreviation: IN
Population: Approximately 6.7 million
Region: Midwest
Origin of State Name: The name Indiana means “Land of the Indians” or “Indian Land”
Sports Teams: Indianapolis Colts (NFL), Indiana Pacers (NBA)
Bordering States: Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois
Area Codes: 219, 260, 317, 574, 765, 812, 930
Highest Point: Hoosier Hill at 1,257 feet (383 meters)
Lowest Point: Confluence of the Ohio River and Wabash River at 320 feet (98 meters)
Geography of Indiana
Area: 36,418 square miles (94,321 square kilometers), 38th largest
Land: 35,826 square miles (92,789 square kilometers), 38th largest
Water: 593 square miles (1,535 square kilometers), 44th largest
Coastline: None (landlocked state)
Shoreline: None (landlocked state)
Largest Cities:
- Indianapolis
- Fort Wayne
- Evansville
- South Bend
- Carmel
- Bloomington
- Fishers
- Hammond
- Gary
- Muncie
- Lafayette
- Terre Haute
- Kokomo
- Anderson
- Noblesville
National Parks:
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
Indiana State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Cardinal
State Animal: White-tailed Deer
State Amphibian: None
State Butterfly: Say’s Firefly
State Fish: None
State Flower: Peony
State Horse Breed: None
State Insect: Say’s Firefly
State Mammal: None
State Reptile: None
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: None
State Gemstone: None
State Soil: Miami
State Tree: Tulip Tree
State Quarter: Issued in 2002 featuring an image of a race car superimposed on an outline of the state, representing the Indianapolis 500
State Beverage: Water
State Colors: Blue and Gold
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: None
State Fossil: None
State Mineral: None
State Rock: Limestone