1859 – Abraham and Mary Lincoln arrived in Indianapolis where Abraham gave a speech at Masonic Hall. While promoting Republican candidates, he reminisced about his boyhood days in Spencer County. The couple stayed overnight at the American House Hotel and left for home the next day.
1891 – John Wesley Hardrick was born in Indianapolis. He attended Manual High School and the John Herron Art Institute. His artistic talent drew attention early in his life. He studied under the tutelage of famous local artist Otto Stark and established a studio on Indiana Avenue. One of his most famous paintings is “The Little Brown Girl,” which disappeared over the years but was discovered in recent years and is on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
1892 – The gates opened for the Indiana State Fair at its new location on East 38th Street. In previous years the fair had been held in other cities in addition to Military Park and the area of Camp Morton between 19th and 22nd streets.
1929 – Dedication ceremonies were held for the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Indianapolis, one of the most impressive examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in the United States. The magnificent structure of Indiana limestone includes stained-glass windows, carved woodwork, patterned ceilings, and a 54-bell carillon.
1964 – The first jet landed at Evansville Dress Memorial Airport. It was a 727 chartered by Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater.
1975 – The Fairmount Historical Museum was dedicated in Fairmount. Displays include awards and artifacts belonging to actor James Dean who grew up in the Grant County city. Another area of the museum features the work of cartoonist Jim Davis, creator of Garfield.