First Explorer

First Trading Post

The French and Indian War

Becoming a State

The Indy 500

In 1679, French explorer Robert de La Salle arrived in Indiana, followed by other explorers from Canada looking to trade fur.

In 1702, the first trading post to trade furs was established.

The British and the French went to war over the fur trade, which is known as the French and Indian War. The Native Americans and the French were allies, but lost against the British in 1763, making the land a part of the British Empire.

Indiana was the 19th state to be admitted into statehood on December 11, 1816.

On May 30, 1911, the very first Indianapolis 500 race took place. Driver Ray Harroun won the race in six hours, 42 minutes, and eight seconds.

Indiana History