Indianapolis History

Walk it out with one of downtown’s most celebrated raconteurs.

Indianapolis’ often-misunderstood nickname has a long, rich history.

During a smallpox epidemic, Indianapolis built its first hospital—in the middle of a swamp.

Out of the gate.

From that first weekend to the 11-day extravaganza it is today, Black Expo has blossomed.

For these boys and girls, the most important car race of the year isn’t the Indianapolis 500; it’s the Soap Box Derby.

How a top Indianapolis florist planted the seeds of her own destiny.

Lined up for a Thanksgiving parade, the neatly attired Station K newsboys in this photograph look like fresh-faced youngsters straight out of central casting.

An officer and a gentleman.

Indianapolis Brewing Company took the gold ribbon at every World’s Fair between 1900 and 1915.

When Prohibition ended, the boozy, bawdy days of the Indianapolis Press Club began. Patrons favored a martini “so potent that on the third sip” their tongues would be “paralyzed,” according to one account.

Talk about a Hail Mary. In 1982, city leaders built an NFL stadium without a team.