1902 – The John Herron Art Institute opened in Indianapolis. In 1967, the school became a part of Indiana University and, in 1969, it was made a division of IUPUI.
1905 – Indiana began the first statewide registration of motor vehicles. For a fee of $1 drivers received a two-inch diameter disc bearing the registration number. The disc was required to be mounted on the vehicle.
1929 – Thomas Taggart died in Indianapolis. An influential political leader, he served as mayor of Indianapolis and represented the state in the United States Senate. His business endeavors included the construction of the French Lick Springs Hotel.
1935 – The Indiana Rural Electric Membership Corporation (REMC) was created by the General Assembly. The act made it possible for electric lines to spread to rural areas of the state.
1939 – Benny Goodman, the “King of Swing,” performed with his orchestra for a week at the Lyric Theater in Indianapolis. On the first day, the 29-year-old clarinetist signed autographs on the sixth floor of the William H. Block Department Store.
1942 – A new army camp in Southern Indiana was officially named for General William Wallace Atterbury from New Albany. The facility played a big role in World War II and continues today as an important military training center.