1867 – Funds were authorized by the Indiana Legislature to improve the entrance to the Michigan City harbor. Two piers were constructed by the Michigan City Harbor Company, and a channel was dredged to connect them. The harbor was able to accept large ships, and Michigan City became one of Indiana’s largest lumber markets.
1920 – Indiana education leaders announced that the 30-year school consolidation plan had reduced the number of one-room schools from over 8,000 to less than 5,000. It was noted that Marion County had only nine one-room schools still in operation, while many rural counties, such as Harrison, Monroe, Orange, and Crawford, still had over 125 each.
1933 – Virginia Jenckes from Terre Haute became the first woman from Indiana to serve in the United States House of Representatives. She was an energetic advocate for women and strongly supported flood-control legislation and the repeal of prohibition. After serving three terms, she remained in Washington to work for the Red Cross, where she helped create the nation’s first blood bank.
1934 – John Dillinger escaped from the Crown Point jail. He stole Lake County Sheriff Lillian Holley’s car and headed for Chicago. In July, Dillinger was shot and killed by special agents as he left the Biograph Theater in Chicago.
1970 – Famed violinist Isaac Stern was a guest soloist with conductor Izler Solomon and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The Indianapolis News review stated the “audience in Butler University’s Clowes Hall was obviously moved by the experience and gave the soloist and … all those involved an extended ovation at the conclusion.”
2012 – A large area around Henryville, Ind., was struck by a series of tornadoes, killing 13 people and leaving hundreds homeless. Extensive property damage resulted from the twisters, which were on the ground for more than 50 miles.