Indiana
Few other American events mark a place in the people’s consciousness as much as the Indianapolis 500 race held each year at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Affectionately called the Indy 500, the first race was run in 1911. Today the event may be one of the most watched sporting events in America, according to some sources.
Modern day highways crisscross the patchwork of fields of Indiana creating a man-made geographical web of highway. In the southern part of the State there is more wooded area, and a geologic underpinning of limestone has made the area one of the most productive spots for quarrying. Steel making is often attributed to Illinois, but Indiana boasts the lead in steel production. But steel is demanding on the environment and the Calumet region of Indiana, between Gary and the Illinois state line are under serious reclamation. This region is a unique ecological mix of dunes and wetland that lie precariously in the balance at the edge of Lake Michigan.
Many excellent institutions head up the impressive list of Indiana colleges and universities: Purdue University, Valparaiso University, University of Notre Dame, and DePauw, are just few. All have been given accolades for their abilities to attract not only top outside talent, but to appeal to in-State talent as well. Unfortunately, the State is equally well recognized for losing those same students after graduation. The Indiana brain drain is now a key political and social hot button
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