How Indiana Became a State

Indiana is a state located in the Midwestern United States, known for its diverse landscape of rolling hills and farmland. It is the 17th most populous state in the nation, with a population of over 6.7 million people. Indiana has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s when it was first established as a territory. This article will explore the history of Indiana and how it became a state. It will discuss the various events, people, and decisions that led to its statehood in 1816. Additionally, it will explore the impact of Indiana's statehood on the nation and its people. Finally, it will discuss the legacy of Indiana's statehood and how it has shaped the state today.

Pre-Statehood

Native American Tribes

Prior to Indiana becoming a state, the area was home to a number of Native American tribes, including the Miami, Potawatomi, Delaware, and Shawnee. The Miami and Potawatomi were the most prominent tribes in the area, and they had inhabited the region for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. The Miami and Potawatomi had a complex relationship with each other, and they often fought over land and resources. The tribes also had a strong relationship with the French and British, trading goods and services with them. The tribes also provided assistance to the French and British during the French and Indian War.

French and British Rule

The French and British both had a presence in the area that would become Indiana. The French were the first to arrive, establishing a trading post in the area in the late 1600s. The British followed shortly after, and the two powers fought for control of the area during the French and Indian War. The British ultimately won the war and gained control of the area, and they maintained control until the American Revolution. After the Revolution, the area became part of the Northwest Territory, and it was eventually divided into smaller territories, including Indiana. The area was eventually granted statehood in 1816.

Statehood

Northwest Ordinance

The Northwest Ordinance was an act of Congress passed in 1787 that established the Northwest Territory, which included the future state of Indiana. The ordinance was a major step in the process of creating a new nation and it set the precedent for how new states would be admitted to the Union. It provided for the division of the Northwest Territory into smaller territories and eventual statehood. The ordinance also provided for the protection of civil rights and religious freedom for the inhabitants of the territory. It also established a system of government for the territory, which included a governor, three judges, and a secretary.

Indiana Territory

In 1800, Congress established the Indiana Territory, which included the future state of Indiana. The Indiana Territory was governed by a governor appointed by the President and a three-member legislative council. The governor had the power to appoint judges, issue pardons, and grant land. The territory was divided into several counties and the governor was responsible for the administration of justice. The territory also had the power to pass laws and levy taxes.

Indiana Constitution

In 1816, the Indiana Territory adopted a constitution and applied for statehood. The constitution provided for a bicameral legislature, a governor, and a judicial system. It also provided for the protection of civil rights and religious freedom. The constitution was approved by Congress and Indiana became the 19th state in the Union on December 11, 1816. The constitution was amended several times over the years, but the basic structure of the government remains the same today.

Post-Statehood

Expansion of Territory

After Indiana became a state in 1816, the territory of Indiana began to expand. The first expansion occurred in 1818 when the Treaty of St. Mary's was signed with the Native American tribes in the area, giving the United States the land that would become the state of Indiana. This treaty also established the Wabash River as the boundary between the United States and the Native American tribes. In 1819, the United States purchased the land that would become the state of Illinois from the Native Americans, and in 1820, the United States purchased the land that would become the state of Michigan from the Native Americans. This expansion of territory allowed for more settlers to move into the area and for the state of Indiana to grow.

The next expansion of territory occurred in 1821 when the United States purchased the land that would become the state of Wisconsin from the Native Americans. This purchase allowed for more settlers to move into the area and for the state of Indiana to grow even more. The last expansion of territory occurred in 1836 when the United States purchased the land that would become the state of Iowa from the Native Americans. This purchase allowed for more settlers to move into the area and for the state of Indiana to grow even more.

Population Growth

The expansion of territory allowed for more settlers to move into the area and for the population of Indiana to grow. In 1820, the population of Indiana was only 63,897 people. By 1830, the population had grown to 343,031 people. This population growth was due to the influx of settlers that moved into the area after the expansion of territory.

The population growth continued throughout the 19th century. By 1840, the population had grown to 685,866 people. By 1850, the population had grown to 988,416 people. This population growth was due to the influx of settlers that moved into the area after the expansion of territory as well as the natural increase in population due to the high birth rate in the area.

The population growth continued throughout the 19th century and into the 20th century. By 1900, the population had grown to 2,700,876 people. By 2000, the population had grown to 6,080,485 people. This population growth was due to the influx of settlers that moved into the area after the expansion of territory as well as the natural increase in population due to the high birth rate in the area and the influx of immigrants from other countries.

The population growth of Indiana has continued into the 21st century. As of 2020, the population of Indiana is estimated to be 6,732,219 people. This population growth is due to the influx of settlers that moved into the area after the expansion of territory as well as the natural increase in population due to the high birth rate in the area and the influx of immigrants from other countries.