The capital city of Indiana, Indianapolis is known all over the world for a sports event: the Indianapolis 500 race. Held on Memorial Day weekend, at the end of May, the automobile race draws thousands of visitors to the city every year. Indianapolis sits along the White River, near the center of the state. The city planner, Alexander Ralston, designed a “radial” city. At the center was a circular plaza. Broad diagonal streets reached out toward the corners of the city, like the spokes on a wagon wheel. Today those streets lead to residential areas and industrial districts. Indianapolis' main business district is built around the plaza. So is the State Capitol, which is made of Indiana's famous limestone. Places of interestAt the center of the city, in the plaza, is Monument Circle, which features the 284-foot- (87-meter- ) tall Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. Five blocks are taken up by the World War Memorial Plaza, built to honor Indiana citizens who died in the country's wars. Also found at the plaza is the national headquarters of the American Legion. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest museum of its kind in the world. The Indianapolis Museum of Art and the John Herron School of Art and Gallery are important centers of art. The Speedway Hall of Fame exhibits racing cars dating from 1909. Trade shows are held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds also feature cultural and social activities. Clowes Memorial Hall is a center for the performing arts. The Hilbert Circle Theatre houses the Indianapolis Symphony. EconomyIndianapolis is a center of road, rail, and air transportation. Because it is in the middle of a large farming area it is a leading grain market. The city is also an important commercial, financial, and industrial center. Pharmaceuticals, machinery, and transportation and electrical equipment, including telephones, are major products. HistoryIn 1820, Indiana had been a state for four years. The legislature decided to build a capital city in the center of the state, and the following year Indianapolis was founded. Indianapolis became a city in 1847. The government of the city of Indianapolis and the county in which the city sits, Marion County, were united in 1970. The organization is called Uni-Gov, and the mayor is in charge. Population (2000 census), 791,926. |