We have a lot of interesting historic places and events here in Indiana, and we're pretty proud of our state heritage. While you'll find many historic restaurants, state parks, and museums across our state, you probably weren't aware that the country's oldest superspeedway is located right here in Indiana.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is pretty famous for hosting the largest all day sports event in the world, but did you know it was actally the oldest superspeedway in the country? Built in 1909, this superspeedway is over a century old and still going strong.
If you're not familiar with what a superspeedway is, it's an oval racing track that's at least 2 miles long. It's also arguably one of the most famous racetracks in the world.
This arena can fit the largest number of spectators in the world (over 250,000 and more with infield seating). The track itself is extremely flat, making it ideal for racing and is 2.5 miles long. The racetrack itself has remained practically untouched since it was first constructed.
This speedway also has an incredible Motor Speedway Museum onsite that all racing fans will love exploring. You'll find this historic racetrack at 4790 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222.
Did you know that we had the largest superspeedway in the country located right here in Indiana? For more cool marvels to explore in Indiana, check out this list.
It was November 22, 1992. The holiday season was just getting underway, and families across the nation were gathering to celebrate gratitude and togetherness. Unfortunately, for many families across the southern, central, and Midwestern United States, the start of the holidays would be scarred by a terrifying historic weather event. This unusual November tornado outbreak in Indiana was like something out of a horror movie, and sadly, it had deadly consequences.
advertisement
Writer's Note: There are very, very few Creative Commons-licensed photos of this event available. For this article, the writer has chosen some photos from other storm events to illustrate the story.
The outbreak of 1992 lasted for 41 hours, and during that time, there were 95 tornadoes - though there might have actually been more that were not officially recorded for multiple potential reasons.
It began November 21st when 32 tornadoes touched down over several states. Terrifyingly, four of those tornadoes would be rated F4s - the second-strongest type of tornado on the Fujita Scale (now the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which changed things up a bit and added an E to the EF-Scale in 2007, among other things). F4/EF4 tornadoes were/are quite rare; only about 1.1% of all tornadoes will be rated EF4s, and even less than that will be rated EF5.
Indiana received the brunt of its tornadoes on November 22nd; on this day, there would be 15 tornadoes that ripped through the Hoosier State - one of which would be rated F4. This outbreak was unusual for a few reasons, most notably that it occurred at the end of November. The vast majority of tornadoes and severe weather occurs in Indiana during the late spring into summer; they tend to spin up during the months of May, June, and July, with occasional late-summer events occurring from time to time.
Although the National Weather Service and the National Severe Storms Laboratory were well aware of what was coming and did their best to alert the public of the threat, the general populace of the Midwest was not at all accustomed to the idea of tornadoes in November.
Oftentimes, folks become desensitized to warnings when they don't pan out, and as a result, they begin to ignore future warnings as well, assuming that nothing will happen - especially when an event is particularly unusual like this one was. This historic, late-autumn tornado outbreak would claim the lives of 26 people and traumatize tens of thousands more.
The worst of the 15 tornadoes to tear through Indiana was a powerful F4 that touched down near Worthville, Kentucky, and trekked a terrifying 26.7 miles, obliterating homes and farms along the way.
It finally lifted northeast of Antioch, Indiana, but not before doing significant and horrific damage. This tornado crossed the Ohio River not once but twice, and it killed one person and injured dozens more. Most notably, debris from this tornado was found up to five miles away from the parent damage path, indicating incredible winds aloft that ensured all sorts of things made their way into towns that had just narrowly avoided being tornado fodder themselves.
This unusual outbreak was a devastating reminder of just how terrifying severe weather can be - no matter when it strikes.
Over the course of this deadly outbreak, there were 95 (confirmed) tornadoes; of those 95, 12 were F0s, 36 were F1s, 26 were F2s, 15 were F3s, and six were F4s. As far as Indiana was concerned, of its 15 confirmed tornadoes on November 22nd, five were F1s, four were F2s, five were F3s, and just one was F4.
The intense emotional devastation aside, the physical/property damage for this tornado outbreak was enormous.
The storms did more than $300 million in damage, which would be about $566 million today. The event was an exercise in the unfathomable power of nature; for something like this to occur in November, of all months, was almost unheard of.
From 1911 to 2021, there have been just 12 F4 or EF4 tornadoes in the Hoosier State during the 11th month of the year. Four of those occurred during the November 1992 outbreak.
On a slightly less scary note, if you find yourself looking for fun stuff to do in Indiana, be sure to check out some of the cool goings-on with our friends at Airbnb Experiences.
A Trip To One Of The Oldest General Stores In Indiana Is Like Stepping Back In Time
Cataract General Store in Spencer, Indiana, offers a nostalgic experience as the oldest general store in the state, retaining much of its original charm and inventory.
If you’re anything like us, sometimes you might wish you could go back in time. You know, just to see how life was. Well, what if we told you there’s a little place in Spencer, Indiana, where you can seem to do exactly that? Spencer is the home of Cataract General Store, which is quite literally the oldest general store in Indiana. As soon as you walk through the entrance, you’re taken back to a much simpler time, when you could grab an ice-cold pop and candy for a nickel. Come with us to relive some fond memories at this Indiana general store.
advertisement
Once upon a time in 1860, a little general store opened its doors in Spencer Indiana.
All the while, in a little town in Indiana, this little store simply kept chuggin' along, offering up delights like a pickle barrel and delicious moon pies for penny prices that seem impossible today.
It's always had a little bit of everything going on.
Need to pick up some basics like groceries, milk, and bread? Cataract General Store had - and still has - your back. Toys? Knick-knacks? Holiday decor? The store seems to have thought of absolutely everything.
...and we mean everything, like this collectible figurine from a 1992 horror film.
Most fun of all, it has even kept a few relics of its past on the shelves for sale, like the 8-ounce Coca-Colas in vintage glass bottles it was once wildly popular for.
Better still, Cataract General Store is in close proximity to plenty of attractions and things to do.
It's a stone's throw away from "the Niagara Falls of Indiana," also known as Cataract Falls. It's also quite close to several campsites and parks, so there's plenty to do once you've explored the whole shop.
It's the closest we can get to time travel; this little general store - the oldest general store in Indiana - remains mostly unchanged, though the exterior signage has been updated over the years, and the building has been updated a bit for upkeep.
It is, however, still in the same place it was when it was built - all the way back when Lincoln was president. For more pictures, as well as the most up-to-date hours and information, visit the official Cataract General Store Facebook page.
