Indianapolis was founded in 1820, and became Indiana's state capital in 1825. In it's early years, Indy was a mover and shaker on the national cultural scene, producing acclaimed writers (James Whitcomb Riley, pulitzer-prize winner Booth Tarkington), musicians (Hoagy Carmichael, Cole Porter), artists (T.C. Steele), and even a president or two (Benjamin Harrison, William Henry Harrison).

Nowadays, it's more about the sports — Indianapolis often calls itself the "racing capital of the world", because it's host to three of the world's highest-attended single-day events: the Indy 500 (established in 1911), the Brickyard 400, and the U.S. Grand Prix Formula One race. (You should see the number of snotty Italians in town during this race.) We also host a variety of amateur sporting events and have three professional sports teams, the Indiana Pacers (look out, Detroit), the Indiana Fever, and the Indianapolis Colts. Indy is also home to the world's largest children's museum.

Circle City

Indy is called the "Circle City" because the original design of Indianapolis was created in 1821 by surveyor Alexander Ralston, who was strongly influenced by the design of the nation's capital. At the center of a Mile Square plat, Ralston placed a circle — originally called the "Governor's Circle" because the governor's mansion was intended to reside there. In 1902, when the Soldier's and Sailor's Monument was placed on the circle, it became known as Monument Circle, and has become a symbol for the Hoosier capital.

Crossroads of America

Indianapolis is also known as the "Crossroads of America" because more interstate highways bisect our city and state than any other in the country, and half the nation’s population is within a days drive of Indianapolis. (Heh. We just said "bisect.")

"Hoosiers"

What the heck is a "hoosier"? We don't frickin' know. There are a variety of explanations, but they're all pretty lame, really.

Cool Local Sites

• Indianapolis City Website
• Lost Indiana
• IndyGoth.com
• Indianapolis Music.Net
• Indianapolis Film.Net
• Bicycle Action Project

Indianapolis Attractions

• The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
• Conner Prairie — Open-air living history museum
• Eiteljorg Museum
• IMAX Theater
• Indianapolis Art Center
• Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library
• The Indianapolis Museum of Art
• The Indianapolis Zoo & Gardens
• Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
• NCAA Hall of Champions
• White River State Park
• Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial
• Indianapolis City Market

Indiana Attractions

• Indiana Historical Bureau
• The Indiana Historical Society
• The Indiana State Fair
• The Indiana State Library
• The Indiana State Museum

Indianapolis Cultural Organizations

• Arts Council of Indianapolis
• Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana
• Indianapolis Cultural Tourism Initiative
• Indianapolis Downtown Inc.

Indianapolis Theatre

• American Cabaret Theatre
• Ballet Internationale-Indianapolis
• Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
• Broadway In Indianapolis (shows at Murat Center and Clowes Hall)
• Indiana Repertory Theatre
• Indianapolis Civic Theatre
• Mystery Cafe
• The Phoenix Theatre
• Theatre on The Square
• Footlite Musicals

Indianapolis Neighborhoods

• Broad Ripple Village
• Chatham Arch Neighborhood
• Cottage Home Neighborhood
• Fall Creek Place
• Fountain Square
• Another Fountain Square site
• Herron-Morton Place
• Little Flower Neighborhood
• The Old Northside

Bizarre and Fun

• 31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry
• Fright Manor
• Indiana Ghost Walks and Tours
• Indiana Medical History Museum
• Indy Swing Dance Club