Indiana's State Motto: The Crossroads of America - adopted in 1937
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Indiana's First Major Road
There were a lot of little roads made in Indiana’s early history, but the first major road in Indiana was the Cumberland Road. It was part of the National Road built by the Federal Government. It took 10 years to complete and was first made of planks, and later it was graveled.
In 1839 the Cumberland Road finally went from Indiana's western border to the town of Terre Haute, through Indianapolis, to Indiana's eastern border to Richmond.
About the same time the Michigan Road was built; it ran north to south through Indianapolis. It went from Michigan City on Michigan Lake, to Madison along the Ohio River.
Covered wagons were the first traffic seen on Cumberland road. At one time there was a seemingly endless stream of settlers moving across Indiana. Wagons being pulled by oxen and horses, that lead the family cows behind and the dog running along side. You definitely wanted to watch your step on the Cumberland Road in the 1840's!
Then was the era of the stagecoach, and being
robbed along the road. It could take 3 or more days to cross the state and
highwaymen would take what ever they could. Stagecoach travel was a big
adventure and many passengers carried pistols.
The National Road came from Maryland and went to Indiana and was 30 feet wide; many of the people who settled in Indiana after 1839 would have used this road. Read more on the National Road Here
Some built one-time use boats called flat boats and floated their belongings down the Ohio River. Upon arrival they disassembled the boat and used the wood. These people didn't generally settle too far from the river because they lacked a way to transport things. Some though even floated their horses, wagons, and livestock down the Ohio River. Read more Indiana History at The Northern Indiana Center for History.
==# 1876 - The telephone is invented
==# 1879 - The light bulb is invented
==# 1889 - Matches are invented
==# 1897 - Aspirin is invented
==# 1902 - The flashlight is invented.
==# 1904 - The ice cream cone is invented.
==# 1913 - The zipper is invented.
==# 1920 - The band aid is invented.
==# 1927 - Television is invented.
==# 1930 - Cellophane tape is invented.
==# 1935 - The ballpoint pen is invented.
Our Indiana History Pages : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
* Although an item may have been invented, it would be some time later that it would be in use by the general public.
This information is the research of many people across the United States and may contain errors. It is presented as the best information to date. Like all of those whose work I have incorporated herein, my research is a work in progress and subject to change without notice. A special thanks to Marlene Ricci of CA, Dwayne Meyer of CA, Jacqueline Bean of TX, Debbie Dick of IN, Milus Miller of IL, Carol Hendricks Miller of IN, Clarence Miller of IN, and Harold Glen Miller of IN. There are numerous others too; many of which are unknown, but their findings and stories are still much appreciated. Much of this would not have been possible with out their information. Also this website includes historical facts gathered from Washington County History, Indiana History, Rowan County and Salisbury North Carolina Historical sources and other US Historical sources.
James A. Miller- Great -Great -Great -Great Grandson of Adam Miller and Hannah Sheets.
©2007 The Millers of Washington County
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Last Updated 06/04/07 03:51:56 PM -0700