1844 – Abraham Lincoln traveled through Southern Indiana campaigning for the Whig Party. In Rockport, he spoke to a large audience at the Spencer County Courthouse. He also visited the graves of his mother and sister at the site of his childhood home near Gentryville.
1851 – The new Indiana State Constitution went into effect, replacing the original document which was written in 1816. This 1851 Constitution continues to serve as the foundation of state government.
1877 – The body of Indiana Governor and United States Senator Oliver P. Morton lay in state at the Marion County Courthouse. Morton had led the state through the tumultuous years of the Civil War. His funeral was in the county courthouse since the old Statehouse was being demolished to be replaced by the current structure.
1902 – Booth Tarkington from Indianapolis was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives. Politically active since his days at Princeton, he was good friends with Woodrow Wilson. He served one term in the legislature before resuming his career as author and dramatist.
1932 – United States Vice President Charles Curtis spoke at the Coliseum in Richmond, Ind. He was there to campaign for the re-election of President Herbert Hoover. The Palladium-Item newspaper reported that it was one of the largest political rallies ever held in the city.
1963 – On Halloween night, a propane gas tank exploded during a performance of the “Holiday on Ice” show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum. The blast killed 74 people and injured nearly 400.