Indiana

Indiana is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern and Great Lakes regions of North America, bordered by Michigan to the north, Ohio to the east, Kentucky to the south, and Illinois to the west. The capital of Indiana is Indianapolis; other major cities include Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend and Gary.

The region was inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous people including Paleo-Indians before European exploration began in 1790 with French fur traders led by Pierre Laclede Liguest who were seeking an important portage between Lake Erie (in present day Ohio) and Lake Michigan that would connect them with Native American tribes living along rivers on both sides of modern-day Indiana’s border. In 1809 Governor William Henry Harrison negotiated numerous treaties with Miami Indians which opened up most of what became Indiana territory for settlement after it officially became part of United States under terms set out in Treaty at St Marys signed on October 2nd 1818 .

By 1830 much land had been cleared away as settlers moved into this area they named “Indiana” meaning “land of indians”. With fertile soil from glaciers combined with access routes provided via Wabash River ,Great lakes waterways & eventually railroads ,the population increased rapidly leading to its admission as 19th US State December 11th 1816 – making it one first five states created from Northwest Territory .Today there are 92 counties spanning 36000 square miles giving rise nickname “Crossroads Of America” due its location near junction many roads leading across Midwest & beyond

Agriculture formed backbone economy until industrialisation took hold during 20th Century when steel production made places like Gary synonymous world over .This trend towards manufacturing has continued today albeit different emphasis than past – ecommerce/ technology based companies now play role alongside traditional ones such auto manufacture Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals & engine manufacturer Cummins Inc ; adding further diversity already thriving economy boosted tourism through attractions like Brown County State Park Jackson Monument Circle Cave National Preserve etc

Politically Indiana leans Republican but also voted Democrat Barack Obama 2008 Presidential Election reflecting diverse opinions held within borders this great state known natural beauty scenic views strong sense civic pride culture shaped centuries immigrants arriving seek new opportunities make home here long forgotten dreams come true