1825 – Indiana’s seat of government was officially moved from Corydon to the new city of Indianapolis. Development was spurred by the National Road which came through the city a few years later.
1827 – Presbyterian minister John Finley Crowe established Hanover College in a 16-foot by 18-foot room. Six students attended the first session. Hanover is the oldest private college in Indiana.
1883 – Samuel Woodfill was born in Jefferson County. An Army major, he is considered to be the most decorated soldier in World War I. General John J. Pershing called him “the greatest American soldier of the War.” Woodfill is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
1890 – President Benjamin Harrison welcomed Alice Sanger as the first female ever to be on the White House staff. She had earlier served as a stenographer at Harrison’s law firm in Indianapolis. Historians consider this appointment an early step toward the day when women would work in government.
1925 – Indiana Secretary of State Frederick E. Schortemeier gave a talk on the new medium of radio. His topic on station WFBM was “The Blue Sky Law and how it protects.” The talk was part of the first regular programming on the new station which was operated by the Merchants Heat and Light Company.
1967 – Purdue University capped a 9-2 season with a trip to the Rose Bowl. The team, coached by John Pont, won a hard-fought 14-13 victory over the University of Southern California. Senior defensive back John Charles was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.