Most People Don't Know That Much Of The Modern Vehicle Was Invented Right Here In Indiana

So, hey, quick fun fact: did you know that there are more than a dozen awesome inventions from Indiana that are still relevant and in use to this day? Yep. We can thank the Hoosier State for things like pivotal modern medicines (including the development of insulin for diabetes and Prozac for depression and anxiety), Converse shoes, and even the teddy bear. But did you know that Indiana’s a pioneer in the auto industry, too? And I don’t just mean the Indianapolis 500; numerous bits and pieces of the modern vehicle were born right here in Indiana, too, such as:

Becky Lai/Flickr

First and foremost, without these babies night driving would not be possible. Up until the early 1900s, Acetylene gas lamps were all the rage because they were resistant to rain and wind. These gas lamps were invented right here in the Hoosier State thanks to a man by the name of Carl Fisher, who was born in Greensburg in 1874.

Susan/Flickr

Ray Harroun was a driver in the first-ever world-famous Indianapolis 500. He decided to tape a mirror to the cowl of his car before the race, having seen something similar on a horse-drawn carriage some years before. Needless to say, the invention was a hit for lots of reasons - safety being a major one.

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Chris Phutully/Flickr

The tilt steering wheel came about here, too, revolutionizing the comfort and safety of drivers everywhere. The man behind the brilliance was Mr. Elwood Haynes, who also came up with stainless steel. What a mind!

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BrownZelip/Flickr

One of my favorite things in the entire world is cruising the backroads and enjoying the scenery; what better way to do this than by hitting that cruise control button? The inventor of what is now cruise control was a man by the name of Ralph Teetor, an incredibly prolific inventor who called Indiana home, sweet home... and if he ever left, well, at least he would get back at a nice and steady pace.

Gilbert Sopakuwa/Flickr

It's really not a mystery why or how the idea for an in-car heater came about: winter in Indiana is COLD, and somehow, winters in other places are even colder! So, what better way to stave off the chill than by installing a heating mechanism inside the cabin of the vehicle for the passengers' comfort? Genius... and probably life-saving.

lincolnblues/Flickr

Okay, plot twist: this one's a myth. Though D.C. Spraker is often credited for this one, it's simply not true. That being said, a few other vehicle-centric items were also invented here, like the T-1 transistor radio (so we can crank our tunes on those long drives), the Breathalyzer (saving lives), and even the garage door opener (convenience!).

There you have it: numerous components still used in cars today, all of which hail from right here in the Hoosier State. Planning to visit Indiana and need some things to do? Check out all the fun ideas offered up by our friends at Airbnb Experiences. Can’t get enough inventions? Same. Check out even more awesome things invented in Indiana.