7 Times The Entire Country Was Looking At Indiana In Suspense And Awe

The Indianapolis 500 is a huge deal in Indiana and the first race really helped put Indiana on the charts. The first winner? Ray Harroun, followed by the 1912 winner, Joe Dawson.

From 1980 until his suicide in 1996, Herb Baumeister allegedly murdered 11 men (most thought to be gay). When the police found these men buried in his backyard, Herb fled to Canada where he eventually shot himself in the head, though he never claimed responsibility for the murders. Several TV episodes and documentaries were later filmed about his life.

This move from Baltimore to Indianapolis was huge for Indiana and nourished a strong football pride that still exists today.

As a tragic victim of the AIDS virus due to a contaminated blood transfusion, Ryan White became a local hero in Indiana. Of course, the circumstances surrounding his battle were far from easy. In 1985, he was banned from his school just outside of Kokomo and the news began covering his battle to return. Much of the debate stemmed from the misinformation available about AIDs and how it could spread. Ryan was eventually allowed to return to school and the Riley Hospital for Children was founded in part for him.

In 1987, a US Air Force A-7D Corsair II crashed at an Indianapolis Ramada Inn near the airport. Eight people from the Ramada Inn died immediately, and one person died later from extreme burns.

The first ever Superbowl to be held in Indianapolis occurred in 2012 and really helped make Indianapolis (and the state of Indiana) on the national map. Indianapolis went through a rebuilding period and the televised coverage helped make Indiana national news.

This bill caused a huge national stir as it allowed businesses to turn away patrons they suspected might be gay or who might have differing beliefs from them. Indianapolis based companies, such as Angie's List, reacted strongly to the bill, vowing to pull their business in Indiana if individuals were not protected from discrimination under this bill. Changes were made, but many are still not happy with this act. Stores in Indiana can frequently be seen sporting "anyone is welcome here" signs to show support for all Hoosiers, regardless of religion, sexual preference, or other determining features.