State of Indiana general data
- Time zone: 6 hours less than Italy
- Capital: Indianapolis
- Main towns: Bloomington, Evansville, Fort WayneGary, Hammond, South Bend.
- Area: 94.320 km²
- Population: About 6,600,000 inhabitants.
- Population density: 69,9 residents / km²
- State abbreviation: IN
- Entry into the United States: Joins the United States, December 11, 1816 is the 19th state to join the union.
According to thembaprograms.com, the state of Indiana is practically flat, as its average elevation is just over 200m above sea level, the highest point is at 383m and the lowest at 98m. There are three great geographical regions into which the territory can be divided: the lakes region, the central plain dedicated to cultivation, and the region of hills and plains in the south. The northern plain is a region shaped by theglaciation, which formed lakes, moraines and marshy lands. Some of these wetlands, particularly in the northwest, have been drained to create arable land. The central plain is a somewhat irregular region, alternating with hills and shallow valleys, and formed by sedimentary materials dragged by the thawing of the glaciers. Finally, the southern region is a geographically varied territory: to the west are the lands reclaimed by the Wabash River, of great wealth for cultivation, the central region is a section formed by hills and valleys with limestone deposits that have allowed the formation of underground rivers and caves, to underline those of Wyandotte and Marengo.
The rivers of Indiana are part of two main basins: that of the San Lorenzo and the Great Lakes, and the Ohio-Mississippi basin. With the exception of the Maumee River and the Saint Joseph River which flow into the former system, the rest are tributaries of the Ohio-Mississippi Basin. The Wabash River, which originates near the state of Ohio, is the most important that crosses Indiana; it runs through the state to the west, and forms the natural border with Illinois, and joins the Ohio River in southwestern Indiana. The Tippecamoe, Eel, Mississinewa, White and Patoka rivers are the most important rivers that feed the Wabash River. The most important lakes in Indiana, in addition to Michigan, are: the Wawasee, the Maxinkuckee and the Bass. All are found in the northern region, and are of glacial origin.
Flora and fauna– Originally about 20% of the territory was covered by grasslands and the rest by thick forests with different tree species: at least 120 including sycamore, beech and maple. Today the percentage of wooded land is drastically reduced, as entire forests have been cut down to obtain timber and use the land for cultivation. As for the fauna, it should be noted that the species of wild animals were decimated during the first years of colonization, when the new arrivals were dedicated to hunting for skins or exterminating the animals while clearing the territory. Thus, bears, buffaloes, fallow deer and wolves disappeared.
The climate of Indiana is temperate, with few differences in territory. Summers are mild, with an average temperature of 24 ° C in July, and its mild winters, with temperatures ranging between 2 ° C in the south-west and -4 ° C in the far north during the month of January, the most cold. Average rainfall recorded in Indiana is between 890 mm in the north and 1,120 mm in the south. Snowfall is abundant throughout the country, especially in regions close to Lake Michigan.
Indianapolis
According to countryaah.com, Indianapolis, the capital of the state of Indiana, is located on the banks of the White River. It counts on a cereal and livestock market, with very varied industries, and a circuit in which the famous 500-mile car race is celebrated. It has important museums, libraries and universities. Its central Midwestern location has attracted food, paper and pharmaceutical industries, including pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly Corporation.
The White River, which runs through the city from northeast to southwest, is too shallow to be used for navigation. In fact, Indianapolis is known as the largest city in the United States that is not located on a navigable waterway. The city’s climate is temperate, with no seasons that are too rainy or dry. Annual rainfall is around 1,000 mm. In January temperatures fluctuate from 1 ° C to -8 ° C in July from 18 ° C to 30 ° C.
WHAT TO SEE – The many parks and monuments of the city and the lively neighborhoods make it one of the most pleasant and surprising tourist destinations in the region. It has a network of wide boulevards that branch off from Monument Circle, the central point of the city dominated by the Beaux Arts-style obelisk and monuments to soldiers and sailors. Every year, on Memorial Day, the largest single-day sporting event in the world is held: the Indianapolis 500 motor racing event. The track’s Hall of Fame has more than 75 race cars and other Indy 500 memorabilia, as well as Stutz, Cole, Marmon, National and Duesenberg cars built here before automakers concentrated production in Detroit. Along the famous track you can also take a test ride, with a guide. The Children ‘ s Museum of Indianapolis, which has been open since 1976, is considered one of the best in the country. Many points of interest include an Indy 500 race car, a restored carousel and a section dedicated to dinosaurs.
The Indiana State Museum dedicated to the natural and cultural history of the state, the museum has extensive sections devoted to sport and the role played by radio in its heyday in this predominantly rural state. The Lockerbie Square District, northeast of downtown, dates back to the 19th century and is the oldest remaining immigrant neighborhood in the city. The Indianapolis Museum of Art has a large collection of American, European, Oriental and African art. The Oldfields-Lilly house and the splendid garden designed by Percival Gallagher have been restored to the splendor that characterized them in the 1920s.
HISTORY – According to topschoolsoflaw.com, the city was founded in 1820; that same year it was designated as the state capital due to its central location. In 1821 it had its present name, and the American engineer Alexander Ralston (who helped the French architect Pierre L’Enfant in the residential complex of the city of Washington) was commissioned to design the urban plan of the city. It officially became the state capital in 1825, replacing Corydón. Since then, Indianapolis has developed as a hub for rail and air road transportation and communications.
Useful numbers in Indianapolis
Emergency number 911
Ospedali
Wishard Memorial Hospital
941 N Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46204 tel. (317) 917-0636
Polizia
Police Dept
151 N Delaware St
Indianapolis, IN 46204 tel. (317) 327-3179 – (317) 327-6525
City data
Inhabitants – approximately 850,000
Area – 960 sq km
Prefix 317
