INDY: From Past to Present

Indianapolis has long stood out as a leader of industry and innovation, having reinvented itself several times throughout history to meet the changing demands of each economic transformation. From its origins in agriculture and auto manufacturing to its success as the “Amateur Sports Capital of the World,” Indianapolis is a city that has always been poised and determined to thrive in the face of socioeconomic challenges.

INDY: From Past to Present

An Ever-Evolving city: The timeline of Indianapolis

1816

Indiana becomes the 19th state to be admitted to the United States

1825

Indianapolis replaces Corydon as Indiana's new state capital

1876

Civil War veteran Colonel Eli Lilly launches the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company

1905

Indianapolis is no longer home to the most auto plants in the U.S.

1909

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is built by founders Carl G. Fisher, James Allison, Arthur Newby, and Frank Wheeler

1910

Entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker moves her cosmetics company headquarters to Indianapolis

1911

The first Indianapolis 500 is held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

1917

Motor Speedway co-founder James Allison transitions his racing business, known as Speedway Team Company, from manufacturing automotive parts to producing aviation technologies to aid U.S. war efforts

1920

For the first time, the Federal Population Census shows that Indiana has more urban inhabitants than rural ones

1921

The Taggart Baking Company introduces Wonder Bread

1931

The world’s largest Coca-Cola bottling plant is built in Indianapolis

1955

The Carrier Air Conditioning Company begins production in Indianapolis

1963

Ivy Tech Community College is established as Indiana’s Vocational Technical College

1967-1974

Indiana constructs Interstate 65, expediting national transportation and devastating local communities

1969

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis opens

1979

Indiana Sports Corp is established as America’s first sports commission

1984

The Hoosier Dome is completed and the Baltimore Colts football franchise relocates to Indianapolis

1984-1991

Indianapolis grows its tourism and hotel industries by focusing on amateur sporting events and conventions

1996

Angie’s List moves its headquarters to Indianapolis

2008-2011

Indianapolis invests $3 billion in tourism-related infrastructure, a project that included the construction of a new airport, the world’s largest JW Marriott hotel, and Lucas Oil Stadium

2012

Indianapolis hosts Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium

2016

Salesforce announces it will invest over $40 million in Indianapolis to expand its headquarters

2016

Carrier announces it is moving its manufacturing operations to Mexico

2019

The IndyGo Red Line opens as the first bus rapid transit system in Indianapolis

2021

Indianapolis hosts March Madness