Earth, Wind & Fire has one eternal question for you: “Do you remember the 21st night of September?”
If you don’t, take a quick trip through Indianapolis history to learn about some 21st nights — and their neighboring days — of September that were chasin’ the clouds away.
1822: William Conner purchased 80 acres on the northwest side to establish an area for Native Americans and French fur traders to do business. The neighborhood is now called Traders Point.
1832: The town of Indianapolis was incorporated and the first election for town officials was held, with Samuel Henderson serving as first president of the town’s board of trustees.
1853: Indianapolis’s first Union Depot, the first of its kind in the United States to serve competing railroad lines, opened.
1859: Abraham Lincoln gave a speech at Masonic Hall, staying overnight at the American House Hotel.
1863: Crown Hill Cemetery was incorporated.
1874: The first Purdue University class was held with 39 students.
1905: The United Brethren of Christ founded Indiana Central University, later renamed the University of Indianapolis in 1986.
1931: Indianapolis Municipal Airport was dedicated on the city’s southwest side.
1974: Market Square Arena opened.
2000: Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted its first United States Grand Prix.
