10 fun and interesting Indiana facts

1. Wabash, Indiana Becomes First City in US to Have Electric Streetlights

In 1880, the city of Wabash, Indiana made history by becoming the first city in the United States to have electric streetlights. This revolutionary development was a major milestone in the history of the United States, and it marked the beginning of a new era of illumination. The electric streetlights of Wabash, Indiana were powered by a generator located in the city, and they provided a much brighter and more efficient source of light than the gas lamps that had been used previously. This technological advancement was a major step forward for the city of Wabash, and it helped to set the stage for the widespread adoption of electric lighting across the country.

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2. Indiana declares Pi to be 3

In 2013, Indiana passed a law that declared the value of Pi to be 3, a stark contrast to the accepted value of 3.14159. This law was met with much criticism from mathematicians and scientists alike, as Pi is an irrational number that cannot be expressed as a finite decimal. Despite the backlash, the law still stands today, making Indiana the only state in the US to have such a law.

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3. The Birthplace of Famous Actors

Indiana is a state with a rich history of producing famous actors. James Dean, the iconic star of the classic film "Rebel Without a Cause," was born in Marion, Indiana, while David Letterman, the beloved host of "Late Night," was born in the same state. Both men have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and their roots in Indiana will always be remembered.

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4. Lincoln's Early Years in Indiana

When Abraham Lincoln was just seven years old, he and his parents, Thomas and Nancy, moved to Indiana. They settled in Spencer County, where Lincoln spent the rest of his childhood and formative years. It was here that he developed his strong work ethic, his love of learning, and his passion for justice and equality - all of which would later shape his presidency and his legacy.

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5. Indiana University alum Mark Spitz makes history at the 1972 Olympics

Mark Spitz, an American swimming legend, attended Indiana University and made history at the 1972 Olympics, where he won an incredible seven gold medals. His achievements have cemented his place as one of the greatest swimmers of all time, and his legacy continues to inspire athletes around the world.

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6. Indiana's $3.00 puppet law still exists

In Indiana, a strange law still exists on the books that would fine any person who presents a puppet show and receives money for it a whopping $3.00. This law, known as the Act to Prevent Immoral Practices, was enacted in the early 1900s but is no longer enforced as of 2013. Despite this, it remains a reminder of the state's past and the lengths it was willing to go to in order to prevent immoral practices.

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7. "Indiana town used in 'Hard Rain' movie filmed"

The 1998 action-thriller "Hard Rain" starring Christian Slater and Morgan Freeman was filmed in the small town of Huntingburg, Indiana. Located in the southwestern part of the state, Huntingburg is a picturesque town with a population of just over 4,000 people. The movie was filmed on location in the town, with many of the scenes taking place in the historic downtown area. The movie was a box office success, grossing over $50 million worldwide.

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8. Indiana Makes History with First Professional Baseball Game

On May 4, 1871, Fort Wayne, Indiana made history as the site of the first major professional baseball game. This momentous event marked the beginning of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players, the first professional baseball league in the United States. The game was held at the Fort Wayne Kekionga Baseball Club, and was attended by a crowd of over 2,000 people. This game was the first step in the development of the beloved sport of baseball, and it all began in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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9. It's illegal to catch fish with your bare hands

In Indiana, it is illegal to catch fish with your bare hands, a law that has been in effect since 2013. This law is designed to protect both the fish and the fisherman, as it can be dangerous to attempt to catch a fish with your hands, and it can also cause harm to the fish.

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10. Indiana's Historic Covered Bridges

Indiana is home to Historic Parke County, the "Covered Bridge Capital of the World". This county is home to 31 covered bridges, the most of any county in the United States. These bridges, some of which date back to the mid-1800s, are a popular tourist attraction and a reminder of the state's rich history. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the bridges, or take part in the annual Covered Bridge Festival, which celebrates the county's unique heritage.