92-585: Unigov is the colloquial name adopted by the city of Indianapolis, Indiana , to describe its consolidated city–county government. By an act of the Indiana General Assembly , Indianapolis consolidated with the government of Marion County in 1970. Within Unigov are eleven "included towns". Under Indiana Code 36-3-1-4 sec. 4(a)(2)), included towns retain their identity as towns under Indiana law and have some limited autonomy. However, they are legally part of
184-532: A National Historic Landmark , encompasses several examples of neoclassical architecture , including the American Legion , Central Library , and Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse . The district is also home to several sculptures and memorials, Depew Memorial Fountain , and open space, hosting many annual civic events. After completion of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument , an ordinance
276-672: A U.S. district court was established at Indianapolis in 1825. Growth occurred with the opening of the National Road through the town in 1827, the first major federally funded highway in the United States. A small segment of the ultimately failed Indiana Central Canal was opened in 1839. The first railroad to serve Indianapolis, the Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianapolis Railroad , began operation in 1847, and subsequent railroad connections fostered growth. Indianapolis Union Station
368-490: A planned city for the new seat of Indiana's state government. The city was platted by Alexander Ralston and Elias Pym Fordham on a 1-square-mile (2.6 km ) grid. Completion of the National and Michigan roads and later arrival of rail solidified the city's position as a major manufacturing and commercial center. Since the 1970 city-county consolidation , known as Unigov , local government administration operates under
460-676: A till plain . Elevations across Indianapolis vary from about 650 feet (198 m) to 900 feet (274 m) above mean sea level . Indianapolis is located in the West Fork White River drainage basin , part of the larger Mississippi River watershed via the Wabash and Ohio rivers. The White River flows 31 miles (50 km) north-to-south through the city and is fed by some 35 streams, including Eagle Creek, Fall Creek , Pleasant Run, and Pogue's Run . The city's largest waterbodies are artificial quarry lakes and reservoirs . Indianapolis
552-421: A Center for Community Progress report, neighborhoods like Cottage Home and Fall Creek Place have experienced measurable gentrification since 2000. The North Meridian Street Historic District is among the most affluent urban neighborhoods in the U.S., with a mean household income of $ 102,599 in 2017. The city of Indianapolis maintains 212 public parks, totaling 11,258 acres (4,556 ha) or about 5.1% of
644-420: A block from Monument Circle. The city's address numbering system originates at the intersection of Washington (running east–west) and Meridian streets (running north–south). Beginning construction in 1836, the 8-mile (13 km)-long Indiana Central Canal is the oldest extant artificial facility in the city. Between 1985 and 2001, nearly 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of the former canal in downtown Indianapolis
736-454: A center of automobile manufacturing. The city was an early focus of labor organization . The Indianapolis streetcar strike of 1913 and subsequent police mutiny and riots led to the creation of the state's earliest labor-protection laws, including a minimum wage , regular work weeks, and improved working conditions. The International Typographical Union and United Mine Workers of America were among several influential labor unions based in
828-526: A large proportion of the early Irish and German immigrants were Catholics . Few African Americans lived in central Indiana before 1840. The first European Americans to permanently settle in the area that became Indianapolis were either the McCormick or Pogue families. The McCormicks are generally considered to be the first permanent settlers; however, some historians believe George Pogue and family may have arrived first, on March 2, 1819, and settled in
920-580: A lesser standard than, any City-County ordinance. The included towns are: Cumberland is divided between Marion County and Hancock County. While Cumberland has full governmental autonomy on the Hancock County side of town, it is an included town under Unigov on the Marion County side. For purposes such as rezoning in the portion in Marion County, Indianapolis officials have final say over policy. The cities of Beech Grove , Lawrence , and Southport , and
1012-547: A log cabin along the creek that was later called Pogue's Run . Other historians have argued as early as 1822 that John Wesley McCormick and his family and employees became the area's first European American settlers, settling near the White River in February 1820. On January 11, 1820, the Indiana General Assembly authorized a committee to select a site in central Indiana for the new state capital. The state legislature approved
SECTION 10
#17328484291921104-458: A political upset. The Ballard administration oversaw the lease of the city's parking meters and the sale of the city's water and wastewater utilities with proceeds financing street repairs. Ballard pursued several environmental sustainability efforts, including establishing an office of sustainability, installing 200 miles (320 km) of bike lanes and trails, and spearheading a controversial deal to start an electric carsharing program. Two of
1196-512: A population of more than 2.6 million, the combined statistical area ranks 27th . Indianapolis proper covers 368 square miles (950 km ), making it the 19th-most extensive city by land area in the country. Indigenous peoples inhabited the area dating to as early as 10,000 BC. In 1818, the Lenape relinquished their tribal lands in the Treaty of St. Mary's . In 1821, Indianapolis was established as
1288-592: A pre-emptive legislative change in 2004 raised the population requirements for a First Class City from 250,000 to 600,000, which ensured Indianapolis's status as the only First Class City in Indiana. As a result, any foreseeable city-county consolidation in Indiana will be voluntary rather than automatic. Unigov has been praised for its economic impact but has received criticism for both its initial enactment and later impacts on communities – especially on African Americans and those living within pre-Unigov Indianapolis. Unigov
1380-668: A result of the city's expansive land area, Indianapolis has a unique urban-to-rural transect , ranging from dense urban neighborhoods to suburban tract housing subdivisions, to rural villages. Typical of American cities in the Midwest, Indianapolis urbanized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, resulting in the development of relatively dense, well-defined neighborhoods clustered around streetcar corridors, especially in Center Township . Notable streetcar suburbs include Broad Ripple , Irvington , and University Heights . Starting in
1472-581: A stop at Indianapolis, where an estimated crowd of more than 100,000 people passed the assassinated president's bier at the Indiana Statehouse . Following the Civil War and in the wake of the Second Industrial Revolution , Indianapolis experienced tremendous growth and prosperity. In 1880, Indianapolis was the world's third-largest pork packing city, after Chicago and Cincinnati , and
1564-506: A system of parkways following the city's waterways. The system's 3,474 acres (1,406 ha) were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. Marion County is also home to parks managed by the State of Indiana, including Fort Harrison State Park and White River State Park . Established in 1996, Fort Harrison State Park covers 1,744 acres (706 ha) that are overseen by
1656-467: A town of 1 square mile (2.6 km ), near the confluence of the White River and Fall Creek . Known as the Mile Square, the plan followed a grid pattern centered on a traffic circle called Monument Circle , from which Indianapolis's "Circle City" nickname originates. Four diagonal avenues— Indiana (northwest), Kentucky (southwest), Massachusetts (northeast), and Virginia (southwest)—radiated
1748-430: Is 42.4 inches (108 cm). Snowfall averages 25.9 inches (66 cm) per season. Official temperature extremes range from 106 °F (41 °C), set on July 14, 1936 , to −27 °F (−33 °C), set on January 19, 1994 . The U.S. Census Bureau considers Indianapolis as two entities: the consolidated city and the city's remainder, or balance . The consolidated city is coterminous with Marion County , except
1840-488: Is a planned city . On January 11, 1820, the Indiana General Assembly authorized a committee to select a site in central Indiana for the new state capital, appointing Alexander Ralston and Elias Pym Fordham to survey and design a town plan for Indianapolis. Ralston had been a surveyor for the French architect Pierre L'Enfant , assisting him with the plan for Washington, D.C. Ralston's original plan for Indianapolis called for
1932-515: Is home to two major league sports teams, three Fortune 500 companies, eight university campuses, and numerous cultural institutions, including the world's largest children's museum . The city is perhaps best known for hosting the world's largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500 . Among the city's historic sites and districts , Indianapolis is home to the largest collection of monuments dedicated to veterans and war casualties in
SECTION 20
#17328484291922024-593: Is land and 6.3 square miles (16 km ) is water. It is the 19th-most extensive city by land area in the U.S. As a consolidated city-county , Indianapolis's city limits are coterminous with Marion County , except the autonomous and semi-autonomous municipalities outlined in Unigov . Nine civil townships form the broadest geographic divisions within the city and county; these are Center , Decatur , Franklin , Lawrence , Perry , Pike , Warren , Washington , and Wayne townships. The consolidated city-county borders
2116-647: Is part of the watershed of the East Branch of the White River . As of the census of 2010, there were 5,169 people, 1,972 households, and 1,422 families living in the town. The population density was 2,509.2 inhabitants per square mile (968.8/km ). There were 2,233 housing units at an average density of 1,084.0 per square mile (418.5/km ). The racial makeup of the town was 77.0% White , 16.8% African American , 0.6% Native American , 0.9% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 2.3% from other races , and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.3% of
2208-522: Is partially included. Cumberland, Indiana Cumberland is a town in Hancock and Marion counties, Indiana , United States. The population was estimated to be at 6,419 as of the 2023 census up from 5,169 in 2010 . Cumberland was founded in the 1830s when the Cumberland Road (also known as the National Road ) was extended to that point. Cumberland contained a post office from 1834 until it
2300-411: Is situated 98 miles (158 km) northwest of Cincinnati, Ohio , 107 miles (172 km) north of Louisville, Kentucky , 164 miles (264 km) southeast of Chicago, Illinois , and 168 miles (270 km) west of Columbus, Ohio . According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the Indianapolis (balance) encompasses a total area of 367.9 square miles (953 km ), of which 361.6 square miles (937 km )
2392-404: Is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the seat of Marion County . Indianapolis is situated in the state's central till plain region along the west fork of the White River . The city's official slogan, " Crossroads of America ", reflects its historic importance as a transportation hub and its relative proximity to other major North American markets. At
2484-712: Is unique in that it contains some 200 farms covering thousands of acres of agricultural land within its municipal boundaries. Equestrian farms and corn and soybean fields interspersed with suburban development are commonplace on the city's periphery, especially in Franklin Township . Noted as one of the finest examples of the City Beautiful movement design in the U.S., the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza Historic District began construction in 1921 in downtown Indianapolis. The district,
2576-492: The 2020 census , the balance population was 887,642. Indianapolis is the 16th-most populous city in the U.S., the third-most populous city in the Midwest after Chicago and Columbus, Ohio , and the fourth-most populous state capital in the nation after Phoenix , Austin , and Columbus. The Indianapolis metropolitan area is the 34th-most populous metropolitan statistical area in the U.S., home to 2.1 million residents. With
2668-578: The City-County Building was the first high-rise in the city to surpass the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in height. A building boom , lasting from 1982 to 1990, saw the construction of six of the city's ten tallest buildings. The tallest is Salesforce Tower , completed in 1990 at 811 ft (247 m). Indiana limestone is the signature building material in Indianapolis, widely included in
2760-688: The George Floyd protests in Indiana prompted a series of local police reforms and renewed efforts to bolster social services for mental health treatment and homelessness. In 2021, a mass shooting occurred at a FedEx facility on the city's southwest side, killing nine (including the gunman) and injuring seven others. Indianapolis is located in the East North Central region of the Midwestern United States , about 14 miles (23 km) south-southeast of Indiana's geographic center . It
2852-621: The Indiana Department of Natural Resources . Since 1979, White River has been owned and operated by the White River State Park Development Commission, a quasi-governmental agency. White River's 250 acres (100 ha) are home to several attractions, including the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens . Two land trusts are active in the city managing several sites for nature conservation throughout
Unigov - Misplaced Pages Continue
2944-485: The Mississippi Flyway , the city sees more than 400 migratory bird species throughout the year. Some 57 species of fish can be found in the city's waterways, including bass and sunfish . Some federally-designated endangered and threatened species are native to the Indianapolis area, including several species of freshwater mussels , the rusty patched bumble bee , Indiana bat , northern long-eared bat , and
3036-667: The Rust Belt due to deindustrialization , though manufacturing still declined. The city also saw more economic and population growth than comparable cities in the region starting in the 1980s. Unigov, alongside later developments such as the Baltimore Colts relocation to Indianapolis , contributed to Indianapolis losing the "Naptown" reputation it had developed previously. Indianapolis, Indiana Indianapolis ( / ˌ ɪ n d i ə ˈ n æ p ə l ɪ s / IN -dee-ə- NAP -ə-lis ), colloquially known as Indy ,
3128-511: The decidious forests that once covered 98% of the region were cleared for agriculture and urban development , contributing to considerable habitat loss . Indianapolis's current urban tree canopy averages approximately 33%. A rare example of old-growth forest in the city can be found on 15 acres (6.1 ha) of Crown Hill Cemetery 's North Woods in the Butler–Tarkington neighborhood. The cemetery's 555 acres (225 ha) represents
3220-518: The running buffalo clover . In recent years, the National Wildlife Federation has ranked Indianapolis among the ten most wildlife-friendly cities in the U.S. Indianapolis has a hot-summer humid continental climate ( Köppen climate classification : Dfa ), but can be considered a borderline humid subtropical climate ( Köppen : Cfa ) using the −3 °C (27 °F) isotherm. It experiences four distinct seasons. The city lies at
3312-480: The 1990s, including the openings of Circle Centre Mall , Victory Field , and Gainbridge Fieldhouse , as well as ongoing redevelopment of the Indiana Central Canal and White River State Park areas. Bart Peterson took office in 2000, the first Democrat elected to the post since John J. Barton 's 1963 election . The Peterson administration focused on education reform and promoting the arts. In 2001,
3404-536: The Consolidated City of Indianapolis and are fully subject to the laws and control of the government of Indianapolis. Four other municipalities in Marion County are not part of the Indianapolis government ("excluded cities and towns"), but receive county-level services from Unigov and take part in elections for the Indianapolis City–County Council and mayor. The area of Marion County not within
3496-503: The First Class City population threshold was 250,000. Indianapolis had a population of over 500,000 people in 1970, more than double the threshold. The next most populous city was Fort Wayne with a population of 174,000; as such, Indianapolis was the only city affected by the legislation. By 2006, Fort Wayne nearly met the threshold for designation as a First Class City as it annexed the populous portions of Aboite Township . However,
3588-516: The General Assembly, four at-large council members. A number of services and governmental responsibilities, including road maintenance, natural resource management, zoning, and flood control, are delegated by the state of Indiana to county-level government; As a result, residents of the excluded cities are obligated to pay county-wide taxes, and the powers of the mayor of Indianapolis extend to all of Marion County. Several towns that existed outside
3680-518: The Indianapolis area include mammals such as the white-tailed deer , eastern chipmunk , eastern cottontail , and the eastern grey and American red squirrels . In recent years, local raccoon and groundhog populations have increased alongside sightings of American badgers , beavers , mink , coyotes , and red fox . Birds native to the area include the northern cardinal , wood thrush , eastern screech owl , mourning dove , pileated and red-bellied woodpeckers , and wild turkey . Located in
3772-635: The Klan. While campaigning in the city in 1968, Robert F. Kennedy delivered one of the most lauded speeches in 20th century American history, following the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. As in most U.S. cities during the Civil Rights Movement , the city experienced strained race relations. A 1971 federal court decision forcing Indianapolis Public Schools to implement desegregation busing proved controversial. During
Unigov - Misplaced Pages Continue
3864-720: The Marion County Sheriff's Department, creating the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department , headed by the Marion County Sheriff. In the 2007 municipal elections, the Republican party, led by Gregory A. Ballard , recaptured the Mayor's office and also won back a majority of the City-County Council. One of the planks of Ballard's campaign platform was that the police department needed to be under
3956-567: The U.S. outside of Washington, D.C. The name Indianapolis is derived from pairing the state's name, Indiana (meaning "Land of the Indians", or simply "Indian Land" ), with the suffix -polis , the Greek word for "city". Jeremiah Sullivan , justice of the Indiana Supreme Court , is credited with coining the name. Other names considered were Concord, Suwarrow, and Tecumseh . In 1816,
4048-493: The Unigov bill would not pass in the Indiana General Assembly if schools were included, but that the merger was worth it despite the impact on schools. The impact on Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) in particular contributed to declines in enrollment and funding over many decades. African Americans lost substantial political clout following the merger, dropping from 23% of the population to 16%. For decades following
4140-502: The adjacent counties of Boone to the northwest; Hamilton to the north; Hancock to the east; Shelby to the southeast; Johnson to the south; Morgan to the southwest; and Hendricks to the west. Between 2.6 million and 11,700 years ago, the Indianapolis area was situated on the southern margin of the Laurentide Ice Sheet . The erosive advance and retreat of glacial ice produced a flat or gently sloping landscape, known as
4232-402: The average family size was 3.08. In the town, the population was spread out, with 30.0% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males. The median income for a household in the town
4324-452: The city limits were incorporated into Unigov, but elected to retain some measure of autonomy. Most of these towns hold elections for Town Council and Clerk-Treasurer. The town governments have taxing authority, and several continue to appoint their own police departments, maintain their own streets, and perform various other functions independently of the city of Indianapolis. However, they cannot pass any ordinance that conflicts with, or permits
4416-423: The city's first mayor, led the new city government, which included a seven-member city council. In 1853, voters approved a new city charter that provided for an elected mayor and a fourteen-member city council. The city charter continued to be revised as Indianapolis expanded. Effective January 1, 1825, the seat of state government moved to Indianapolis from Corydon, Indiana . In addition to state government offices,
4508-485: The city's land area by more than 300 square miles (780 km ) and increased its population by some 250,000 people. It was the first major city-county consolidation to occur in the U.S. without a referendum since the creation of the City of Greater New York in 1898. Lugar is credited with initiating downtown revitalization efforts, overseeing the building of Market Square Arena , renovations to Indianapolis City Market , and
4600-561: The city's land area. Eagle Creek Park , Indianapolis's largest and most visited park, ranks among the largest municipal parks in the U.S., covering 4,766 acres (1,929 ha). Garfield Park , the city's first municipal park, opened in 1876 as Southern Park. In the early 20th century, the city enlisted landscape architect George Kessler to conceive a framework for Indianapolis's modern parks system. Kessler's 1909 Indianapolis Park and Boulevard Plan linked notable parks, such as Brookside , Ellenberger , Garfield, and Riverside , with
4692-699: The city's largest capital projects, the Indianapolis International Airport 's new terminal and Lucas Oil Stadium , were completed in 2008. In 2012, construction began on a $ 2 billion tunnel system designed to reduce sewage overflows into the city's waterways. Since 2016, the administration of Joe Hogsett has focused on addressing a rise in gun violence and the city's racial disparities. In recent years, significant capital and operational investments have been made in public safety, criminal justice, and public transit. The city also established rental assistance and food security programs. In 2020,
SECTION 50
#17328484291924784-431: The city's many monuments, churches, academic, government, and civic buildings. For statistical purposes, the consolidated city-county is organized into 99 "neighborhood areas" with most containing numerous individual historic and cultural districts, subdivisions, and some semi-autonomous towns. In total, some 500 self-identified neighborhood associations are listed in the city's Registered Community Organization system. As
4876-659: The city's population more than doubled. An estimated 4,000 men from Indianapolis served in 39 regiments, and an estimated 700 died during the war. On May 20, 1863, Union soldiers attempted to disrupt a statewide Democratic convention at Indianapolis, forcing an adjournment of the proceedings, sarcastically referred to as the Battle of Pogue's Run . Fear turned to panic in July 1863, during Morgan's Raid into southern Indiana, but Confederate forces turned east toward Ohio , never reaching Indianapolis. On April 30, 1865, Lincoln's funeral train made
4968-817: The city. As a stop on the Underground Railroad , Indianapolis had one of the largest black populations in the Northern States , until the Great Migration . Led by D. C. Stephenson , the Indiana Klan became the most powerful political and social organization in Indianapolis from 1921 through 1928, controlling the City Council and the Board of School Commissioners, among others. At its height, more than 40% of native-born white males in Indianapolis claimed membership in
5060-510: The community, leading west 10 miles (16 km) to downtown Indianapolis and east the same distance to Greenfield , the Hancock county seat . According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 2.82 square miles (7.3 km ), of which 0.01 square miles (0.026 km ), or 0.35%, are water. Buck Creek crosses the town, flowing south to join Sugar Creek near London . The town
5152-453: The direction of an elected 25-member city-county council headed by the mayor . Indianapolis anchors the 29th largest metropolitan economy in the U.S. Prominent industries include trade, transportation, and utilities; education and health services; professional and business services; government; leisure and hospitality; and manufacturing. The city has notable niche markets in amateur sports and auto racing . Contemporary Indianapolis
5244-407: The first time in the 2011 election (and a majority for the second time), prompting Republicans in the Indiana General Assembly to eliminate the at-large seats for the 2015 election . Under the Unigov provision of Indiana law, city-county consolidation is automatic when a city's population exceeds the threshold for qualification as a so-called First Class City. When the Unigov provision was enacted,
5336-486: The first visit from a president-elect in the city's history. On April 16, 1861, the first orders were issued to form Indiana's first regiments and establish Indianapolis as a headquarters for the state's volunteer soldiers. Within a week, more than 12,000 recruits signed up to fight for the Union. Indianapolis became a major logistics hub during the war, establishing the city as a crucial military base. Between 1860 and 1870,
5428-529: The formation of Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis . Amid the changes in government and growth, the city pursued an aggressive economic development strategy to raise the city's stature as a sports tourism destination, known as the Indianapolis Project. During the administration of the city's longest-serving mayor, William Hudnut (1976–1992), millions of dollars were invested into sports venues and public relations campaigns. The strategy
5520-479: The included or excluded towns, but including what was the City of Indianapolis prior to the enactment of Unigov, is designated by the U.S. Census Bureau as the "balance" , and its population is usually quoted as the population of Indianapolis for census purposes. Indianapolis was intentionally surveyed and founded as the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana. Given the condition of urban planning in 1821, little thought
5612-441: The included towns retained independent police forces. Nevertheless, the excluded cities are also part of the consolidated city-county government and are thus represented within the City-County Council. In addition to voting for the mayors and councils of their respective cities and towns, residents are also able to vote for the mayor of Indianapolis, and a district City-County Council member, and, until those positions were abolished by
SECTION 60
#17328484291925704-430: The independent municipalities of Beech Grove , Lawrence , Southport , and Speedway . The city's balance excludes the populations of ten semi-autonomous municipalities that are included in totals for the consolidated city. These are Clermont , Crows Nest , Homecroft , Meridian Hills , North Crows Nest , Rocky Ripple , Spring Hill , Warren Park , Williams Creek , and Wynnedale . An eleventh town, Cumberland ,
5796-456: The largest green space in Center Township , home to an abundance of wildlife and some 130 species of trees. Native trees most common to the area include varieties of ash , maple , and oak . Several invasive species are also common in Indianapolis, including tree of heaven , wintercreeper , Amur honeysuckle , and Callery pear . A 2016 bioblitz along three of the city's riparian corridors found 590 taxa . Urban wildlife common to
5888-401: The late 1960s, it was possible in some areas to leave and re-enter Indianapolis while traveling in a straight line. The movement of affluent citizens to more fashionable suburbs, especially to the north of the city limits, accelerated into full white flight in the period after World War II . While this sprawl was generally within Marion County, it hastened the decay of the city itself. Unigov
5980-491: The mayor's office became the first in the U.S. to authorize charter schools . Indianapolis Cultural Districts were designated in 2003, followed by the groundbreaking of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail in 2007. Further consolidation of city and county units of government resulted in the establishment of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department in 2007. Later that year, Greg Ballard succeeded Peterson in
6072-434: The mayoral administration of Richard Lugar (1968–1976), the city and county governments consolidated. Known as Unigov (a portmanteau of "unified" and "government"), the city-county consolidation removed bureaucratic redundancies, captured increasingly suburbanizing tax revenue, and created a Republican political machine that dominated local politics until the early 2000s. Effective January 1, 1970, Unigov expanded
6164-548: The merger, the suburban populations that were added politically dominated Indianapolis. The decline of the IPS heavily affected African American students, who saw negative impacts from falling enrollments and funding to neighboring school districts outside the largely pre-Unigov IPS school district. The economic impact has received more praise. The consolidated city has a much larger population, tax base, and overall economy. Indianapolis saw substantially less decline than many other cities in
6256-650: The mid-20th century, the post–World War II economic expansion and subsequent suburbanization greatly influenced the city's development patterns. From 1950 to 1970, nearly 100,000 housing units were built in Marion County, most outside Center Township in suburban neighborhoods such as Castleton , Eagledale , and Nora . Since the 2000s, downtown Indianapolis and surrounding neighborhoods have seen increased reinvestment mirroring nationwide market trends, driven by empty nesters and millennials . Renewed interest in urban living has been met with some dispute regarding gentrification and affordable housing . According to
6348-608: The new state capital in 1820. The indigenous people of the land prior to systematic removal are the Miami Nation of Indiana ( Miami Nation of Oklahoma ) and Indianapolis makes up part of Cession 99; the primary treaty between the indigenous population and the United States was the Treaty of St. Mary's (1818) . The availability of new federal lands for purchase in central Indiana attracted settlers, many of them descendants of families from northwestern Europe. Although many of these first European and American settlers were Protestants ,
6440-441: The population. There were 1,972 households, of which 36.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.3% were married couples living together, 16.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.9% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
6532-408: The population. There were 2,030 households, out of which 40.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.9% were non-families. 19.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and
6624-600: The power of the Democratic Party in Marion County. The extension of city government was now seen as benefiting the Democrats, who had made many gains (as they did nationally) in the inner-ring suburbs, many more of which are included within the boundaries of the city than in many comparable metropolitan areas. In December 2005, the City-County Council approved a merger of the Indianapolis Police Department and
6716-624: The region. Indianapolis is situated in the Southern Great Lakes forests ecoregion which in turn is located within the larger temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome , as defined by the World Wide Fund for Nature . Based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 's alternative classification system , the city is located in the Eastern Corn Belt Plains , an area of the country known for its fertile soil. Much of
6808-565: The responsibility of the mayor, and not the sheriff. In February 2008, the new GOP-led council gave the authority over the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to the mayor, leaving Sheriff Frank J. Anderson with authority over the county jail, protection of City-County buildings and the traditional roles of tax collection and paper serving, but left him as the only sheriff in Indiana without territory to protect. Democrats won all four citywide council seats for
6900-461: The second-largest railroad center in the U.S. by 1888. By 1890, the city's population surpassed 100,000. Some of the city's most notable businesses were founded during this period of growth and innovation, including L. S. Ayres (1872), Eli Lilly and Company (1876), Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company (1910), and Allison Transmission (1915). Some of the city's most prominent architectural features and best-known historical events date from
6992-492: The site, adopting the name Indianapolis on January 6, 1821. In April, Alexander Ralston and Elias Pym Fordham were appointed to survey and design a town plan for the new settlement. Indianapolis became a seat of county government on December 31, 1821, when Marion County , was established. A combined county and town government continued until 1832 when Indianapolis was incorporated as a town. Indianapolis became an incorporated city effective March 30, 1847. Samuel Henderson ,
7084-474: The spring and summer, with slightly higher averages during May, June, and July. May is typically the wettest, with an average of 5.05 inches (12.8 cm) of rain. Most rain is derived from thunderstorm activity. There is no distinct dry season, although occasional droughts occur. Severe weather is not uncommon, particularly in the spring and summer months. Indianapolis experiences an average of 20 thunderstorm days annually. Indianapolis's average annual rainfall
7176-400: The town of Speedway are known as "excluded cities", and retain government autonomy in most respects. They elect their own city officials and city councils. Residents also are represented on the City-County Council and vote for the mayor of Indianapolis because these countywide officials have taxing and other powers over the whole county. For many years, the incorporation of the city's suburbs
7268-432: The town. The population density was 2,907.0 inhabitants per square mile (1,122.4/km ). There were 2,190 housing units at an average density of 1,157.5 per square mile (446.9/km ). The racial makeup of the town was 85.20% White , 10.56% African American , 0.22% Native American , 1.76% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 0.75% from other races , and 1.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.45% of
7360-878: The transition between USDA plant hardiness zones 6a and 6b. Typically, summers are fairly hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. The July daily average temperature is 75.4 °F (24.1 °C). High temperatures reach or exceed 90 °F (32 °C) an average of 18 days each year, and occasionally exceed 95 °F (35 °C). Spring and autumn are usually pleasant, if at times unpredictable. Midday temperature drops exceeding 30 °F or 17 °C are common during March and April, and instances of very warm days (80 °F or 27 °C) followed within 36 hours by snowfall are not unusual during these months. Winters are cold, with an average January temperature of 28.1 °F (−2.2 °C). Temperatures dip to 0 °F (−18 °C) or below an average of 3.7 nights per year. The rainiest months occur in
7452-536: The turn of the 20th century. The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument , dedicated on May 15, 1902, would later become the city's unofficial symbol. Ray Harroun won the inaugural running of the Indianapolis 500 , held May 30, 1911 , at Indianapolis Motor Speedway . Indianapolis was one of the hardest hit cities in the Great Flood of 1913 , resulting in five known deaths and the displacement of 7,000 families. Once home to 60 automakers, Indianapolis rivaled Detroit as
7544-507: The year Indiana gained statehood, the U.S. Congress donated four sections of federal land to establish a permanent seat of state government. Two years later, under the Treaty of St. Mary's (1818), the Delaware relinquished title to their tribal lands in central Indiana, agreeing to leave the area by 1821. This tract of land, which was called the New Purchase , included the site selected for
7636-434: Was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.05. The median age in the town was 38.4 years. 27.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24% were from 25 to 44; 29.3% were from 45 to 64; and 11.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.1% male and 51.9% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 5,500 people, 2,030 households, and 1,565 families living in
7728-409: Was discontinued in 1958. Since 1970, the Marion County portion of Cumberland has been subject to Unigov as an included town. The center of Cumberland is in eastern Marion County, but the town limits extend east and north into western Hancock County, so that the majority of the town's area is now in Hancock County. U.S. Route 40 , following the route of the National Road , is the main road through
7820-573: Was given to the growth of the city. Original planners were of the opinion that it would never grow beyond its original square mile (2.6 km²) layout (still known as "the Mile Square "). Contrary to their belief, Marion County soon was filled with small communities with connections to Indianapolis, or with businesses that had formed to take advantage of Indianapolis's location midway between Lake Michigan and both Cincinnati , Ohio , and Louisville, Kentucky . City growth occurred in fits and starts. By
7912-556: Was never put up for a direct referendum . This has led critics during its enactment and thereafter to call the process undemocratic. The closest Indianapolis got to a referendum was the 1967 Indianapolis mayoral election , which Lugar narrowly won. Due to public push back and lack of political appetite, Unigov left many government services as is and did not integrate them. Most notably, the school districts were not merged. While some services like police were later combined, school districts have remained unmerged. Lugar later said he knew that
8004-463: Was passed in 1905 restricting building heights on the traffic circle to 86 ft (26 m) to protect views of the 284 ft (87 m) monument. The ordinance was revised in 1922, permitting buildings to rise to 108 ft (33 m), with an additional 42 ft (13 m) allowable with a series of setbacks . A citywide height restriction ordinance was instituted in 1912, barring structures over 200 ft (61 m). Completed in 1962,
8096-505: Was proposed in the late 1960s by then mayor (and later U.S. Senator ) Richard Lugar to address these problems and a number of other related issues. In order to support Unigov, a compromise was arranged. The cities of Beech Grove , Lawrence , and Southport , and the town of Speedway each maintained limited autonomy, with their own police forces, school systems, and mayors (except Speedway). In addition, fire service and school districts were maintained at their pre-Unigov borders, and some of
8188-462: Was redeveloped into the Canal Walk, a cultural and recreational amenity. North of 18th Street, the canal retains much of its original appearance, flowing through the northside neighborhoods of Riverside , Butler–Tarkington , Rocky Ripple , and Broad Ripple . This segment has been recognized as an American Water Landmark since 1971. Compared to American cities of similar populations, Indianapolis
8280-619: Was seen as working to the political benefit of the Republican Party , which held the mayor's office from the election of Richard Lugar in 1967 until the election of Democrat Bart Peterson in 1999. Democrats gained a one-seat majority on the City-County Council for the first time in citywide elections in 2003. Facing a budget crisis, Peterson made a proposal to further consolidate city and county functions, dubbed "Indianapolis Works!". He claimed it would eliminate remaining duplication, while opponents saw it as an effort to further consolidate
8372-502: Was successful in landing the U.S. Olympic Festival in 1982, securing the relocation of the Baltimore Colts in 1984, and hosting the 1987 Pan American Games . Beginning in 1992, the mayoral administration of Stephen Goldsmith introduced a number of austerity measures to address budget shortfalls through privatization and greater reliance on public–private partnerships . Major downtown revitalization projects continued through
8464-553: Was the first of its kind in the world when it opened in 1853. During the American Civil War , Indianapolis was mostly loyal to the Union cause. Governor Oliver P. Morton , a major supporter of President Abraham Lincoln , quickly made Indianapolis a rallying place for Union army troops. On February 11, 1861, President-elect Lincoln arrived in the city, en route to Washington, D.C. for his presidential inauguration , marking
#191808