*11/20/02 - Hmm, methinks this page could use some serious updating. Brainstorm, here I come!! :)

Yes, I happen to be proud of my Homestate & Hometown! What are you going to do about it? Read this page, that's what! :-) We Hoosiers seem to have developed a reputation for being "hicks", "dumb hillbillies", etc. Well, I am here to perhaps shed some light on some of those myths, & throw in a few actual facts along the way. And hey , you might even learn something! Below are some interesting tidbits about Indiana. Pay attention, kids, you'll be tested on this tomorrow! :-)




So what is a Hoosier, anyway?

Nobody knows for sure where the the word "hoosier" was originally derived, but man, have they come up with some interesting theories! Ironically, most people agree that the nickname we Indiana natives are so proud of was originally intended to poke fun at us! Among the popular theories is that visitors upon hailing a pioneer cabin or knocking on their door were usually greeted with "Who's here?", but with their accent, it sounded like they were saying "Who's yere." Thus, Indiana became the Who's yere or Hoosier state.

Another theory is that Indiana rivermen were once so exceptional at "hushing" their adversaries, people referred to them as "hushers", then later, "hoosiers".

And my personal favorite (and by far the most outlandish), is the theory by 19th century poet James Whitcomb Riley that the early Indiana pioneers were enthusiastic and vicious fighters who gouged, scratched and bit off noses and ears. This was so common an occurrence that a settler coming into a tavern the morning after a fight and seeing an ear on the floor would touch it with his toe and casually ask, "Whose ear?" Not likely true, but you have to admit it's pretty darn funny!!



Some "Underground" Heroes

Back in the day, Indiana was very much divided over the issue of slavery. And those who opposed soon rallied together. Levi Coffin, an Indiana Quaker, founded what would soon become The Underground Railroad in 1827. Originally operated from his home in what is now Fountian City, The Underground was comprised of a group of people scatted all over IN, KY, & OH. Their mission- to help runaway slaves escape to free land in Canada. The name "Underground Railroad" was actually a code word, and the people themselves spoke in code as to conceal their operation. The towns were called "stations", & those who took the slaves from one station to another were called "conducters". In all, Coffin was said to have helped more than 2,000 slaves find their freedom.WAY TO GO LEVI!! :-)





WHAT?! No Daylight Savings Time??

Yes, it's true folks. Indiana is one of only 3 states that has not adopted Daylight Savings Time! (Arizona & Hawaii are the other 2) With the exception of about 6 counties along Louisville, KY & Cincinnatti, OH & A few more in Northwestern & Southwestern Indiana. I guess we just like to be different! And personally I'm quite happy about it 'cause I think Daylight Savings Time is a dumb idea anyway!:) I'd get too confused & always wonder what time it was!



Where'd you get that motto?

If you look at the map of the US highway system, you can see that more of our nation's roads cross through Indianapolis than in any other city. Thus, in 1937, Indiana officially adopted the motto "Crossroads of America"



Other Fun facts coming soon! Eventually, you'll get to hear about Parke County & Mecca as well!! Ooooohhh!:-) The excitment mounts!

Time & weather in my hometown!

Make your very own license plate at Acme License Maker!