Post by Indy on Dec 12, 2009 15:45:21 GMT -5
Happy Birthday, Indiana!
Friday is Dec. 11, the 193rd anniversary of Hoosier statehood.
On Dec. 11, 1816, Indiana was admitted to the Union as the 19th state.
The territory’s population was about 64,000 on Dec. 11, 1815, when the Indiana legislature petitioned for statehood.
The territorial capital had been located in Corydon since 1813. Thirty-four delegates from the 13 existing counties drew up the state constitution in 1816 at Corydon. Rush County was officially organized three years later, in 1822.
The state banner was approved by the 1917 Indiana General Assembly following the state’s centennial celebration. A gold torch and 19 stars appear on a blue background. Rays radiating from the torch show the far-reaching effects of liberty and enlightenment which are symbolized by the torch. A circle of 13 stars depict the 13 original states. Five stars in a half-circle represent the states which joined the Union next, with a bigger star for Indiana above the torch’s flame.
When the Hoosier flag is displayed on a stand, it should be on the viewer’s right of the American flag. If flown from a pole, the state flag should be directly under the Stars and Stripes.
Other state symbols and their adoption dates by the General Assembly include:
• Song — “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away” by Paul Dresser, 1915;
• Tree — tulip tree, 1931;
• Bird — cardinal, 1933;
• Motto — “Crossroads of America,” 1937;
• Flower — peony, 1957;
• Seal — 1963;
• Poem — “Indiana” by Arthur Franklin Mapes;
• Stone — limestone, 1971; and
• River — the Wabash, 1996.
Attempts have been made in recent years to change or add symbols such as a state insect. No official decisions have resulted.
Friday is Dec. 11, the 193rd anniversary of Hoosier statehood.
On Dec. 11, 1816, Indiana was admitted to the Union as the 19th state.
The territory’s population was about 64,000 on Dec. 11, 1815, when the Indiana legislature petitioned for statehood.
The territorial capital had been located in Corydon since 1813. Thirty-four delegates from the 13 existing counties drew up the state constitution in 1816 at Corydon. Rush County was officially organized three years later, in 1822.
The state banner was approved by the 1917 Indiana General Assembly following the state’s centennial celebration. A gold torch and 19 stars appear on a blue background. Rays radiating from the torch show the far-reaching effects of liberty and enlightenment which are symbolized by the torch. A circle of 13 stars depict the 13 original states. Five stars in a half-circle represent the states which joined the Union next, with a bigger star for Indiana above the torch’s flame.
When the Hoosier flag is displayed on a stand, it should be on the viewer’s right of the American flag. If flown from a pole, the state flag should be directly under the Stars and Stripes.
Other state symbols and their adoption dates by the General Assembly include:
• Song — “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away” by Paul Dresser, 1915;
• Tree — tulip tree, 1931;
• Bird — cardinal, 1933;
• Motto — “Crossroads of America,” 1937;
• Flower — peony, 1957;
• Seal — 1963;
• Poem — “Indiana” by Arthur Franklin Mapes;
• Stone — limestone, 1971; and
• River — the Wabash, 1996.
Attempts have been made in recent years to change or add symbols such as a state insect. No official decisions have resulted.