1812 – The Battle of Mississinewa was fought in what is now Grant County. United States forces under William Henry Harrison defeated Native American warriors along the Mississinewa River. It was the first U.S. victory in the War of 1812.
1899 – Paul D. “Tony” Hinkle was born in Logansport. He became a legendary coach, spending nearly 50 years at Butler University. He started at Butler in 1921 when the campus was still in Irvington.
1904 – Abe Martin first appeared in The Indianapolis News. Created by artist Kin Hubbard, Abe was a country philosopher famous for his “sayings.” Indiana’s Brown County State Park pays tribute to Kin Hubbard and his characters.
1929 – Citizens of Madison, Ind., and Milton, Ky., turned out in coats and scarves to dedicate the new toll bridge connecting the two cities. The occasion marked the retirement of ferry boats which had served the communities for many years. This bridge was replaced by a new one in 2014.
1948 – Over 1,400 children packed the Indiana Statehouse for a Christmas party sponsored by state employees and the Salvation Army. Santa Claus and Governor Ralph Gates handed out toys of all kinds. The top gift was a three-foot doll donated by actress Shirley Temple.
1956 – The bust of Sherman Minton was unveiled at the Indiana Statehouse. Minton spoke at the ceremony which was hosted by Governor George Craig. One of only two native Hoosiers to serve on the United States Supreme Court, Minton grew up in Floyd County.