Indiana has a pretty extensive history that most Hoosiers are proud to be apart of. From landmark moments to unforgettable natural disasters, Indiana’s seen a lot. Take a look at the below 9 most memorable moments that everyone in Indiana will always remember.
1. 1945 - Frank Sinatra Cancels a Show To Support Civil Rights
As an advocate for civil rights, Sinatra cancelled a show in Gary when he learned the group he'd be playing for was protesting against racial integration. Sinatra caused quite a scene when he turned this gig down, hoping to prove a point to this group.
2. 1963 - The Coliseum Explosion
The horrific explosion at the coliseum on the state fairgrounds was one of the worst of it's kind in Indiana (and US) history. During a holiday ice show, a propane leak caused a popcorn warmer to explode, killing 70 people and injuring over 400.
3. 1978 - The Blizzard of 1978
This epic blizzard set many snowfall records across the country that have yet to be beaten. The temperature dipped to -50 in some parts of Indiana and snow was recorded up to 3-feet tall.
4. 1987 - Kokomo Courthouse Bombing
This surprising bomb went off in the Kokomo courthouse killing the culprit, Robert Gray (an accused drug dealer), and injuring others. Gray set up the bomb in a suitcase five feet from himself, and it is believed he was attempting to kill a police informant who was testifying against him.
5. 1984 - The Indianapolis Colts are Formed
This historic NFL team was once Baltimore, Maryland's football team. In 1984, the Baltimore Colts officially moved to Indianapolis, where they remain to this day.
6. 1990 - 37 Tornadoes Hit Indiana in June
Indiana is no stranger to extreme weather and devastating storms like tornadoes, but 1990 hit a new record. June 2nd saw 37 tornadoes spreading across 31 Indiana counties, killing 8, injuring 200, and destroying nature and buildings.
7. 2007 - The Indianapolis Colts Win the Superbowl
Everyone was a Colts fan in 2007 when the Colts went into the XLI Superbowl. Cheers could be heard throughout the city when the Colts won this historic game.
8. 2011 - The Stage at the State Fair Collapses
The Indiana State Fair is always a huge deal for Hoosiers, but the 2011 celebration took a tragic turn. Five were killed and 40 were injured when a stage collapsed before Sugarland was set to perform.
9. 2018 - Sunday Alcohol Ban Is Lifted
For years, Hoosiers were unable to purchase alcohol from stores on Sundays. In 2018, this ban was lifted, and for the first time ever, Hoosiers could buy liquor and beer before catching their favorite game.
Do you remember all (or most) of these memorable moments from Hoosier history? Which ones did we leave off the list?
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