We are known as Hoosiers. Maybe the name was coined years ago by Samuel Hoosier, a contractor who liked to hire workers from Indiana because they were good dependable workers.

Broad, fertile plains help make it a leading farm and manufacturing state and the varied landscape offers many opportunities for recreation and and relaxation. For example, the, famous sand dunes along Lake Michigan and the plentiful lakes and streams provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Hunters find small game in the woods and on the plains. The colorful, rolling hills of Brown County attract many artists and nature lovers. French Lick, a well-known health and vacation resort, and Wyandotte Cave, one of the largest caverns in the United States, are in southern Indiana.

Central Indiana weather is like one big smorges board. If at any given time you should not like the Indiana weather, just be patient. The next day may be just what you are yearning for.

Indianapolis, the capitol, is sometimes called the Crossroads of America, because many highway and railroad routes cross here. The White River flows from northeast to southwest. The downtown, or central business, area of Indianapolis lies near the center of the city, east of the river. In its center is Monument Circle, with the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, which is 2841/2 feet (86.7 meters) high. Near the circle are the state capitol and the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza, which includes a military museum and the national and state headquarters of the American Legion.

Also, nearby are Market Square Arena, used for basket ball and many other events; the RCA Dome, a 61,000-seat domed stadium used for football and other events; and the Indiana Convention-Exposition Center. Indianapolis attracts worldwide attention each year in May, when about 300,000 race spectators jam the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to watch the famous Indianapolis 500 automobile race.