Indianapolis

Indianapolis (in"dēună'pulis) [key], city (1990 pop. 731,327), state capital and seat of Marion co., central Ind., on the White River; selected 1820 as the site of the state capital (which was moved there in 1825), inc. 1847. The largest city in Indiana, it is the chief processing point in a rich agricultural region and is a major grain and livestock market. It is also the commercial, transportation, and industrial center for a large area. It has printing and publishing and flour milling, and its many manufactures include construction and agricultural equipment; clay, paper, lumber, and dairy products; electronics; chemicals; auto parts; feeds and fertilizers; crushed limestone; apparel; and pharmaceuticals.

The city is the seat of Butler Univ., Marian College, the Univ. of Indianapolis, Christian Theological Seminary, and Indiana Univ.–Purdue Univ. at Indianapolis, with many units, including the Medical Center and the Herron School of Art. The American Legion has its national headquarters there in a building erected as a war memorial. Landmarks are the state capitol (1878–88); the state library and historical building; the home and burial place of James Whitcomb Riley; the home of Benjamin Harrison; a Carmelite monastery; the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (1902); and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, site of the famous annual 500-mi automobile race. The RCA Dome is home to the Colts (National Football League), and the Indiana Pacers (National Basketball Association) play at Conseco Fieldhouse. Museums include the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum, the NCAA Hall of Champions, and a renowned children's museum. The Artsgarden center for the visual and performing arts opened in 1995.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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