Indianapolis: A Concise History

by Jon C. Teaford

As its name denotes, Indianapolis is without question Indiana's city. Known as the Crossroads of America, Indianapolis and the surrounding communities have and continue to play an important role in politics, logistics, and commerce for both the state and the country.

A Concise History looks at the development of the city from a frontier village to a major railroad city in the late nineteenth century and through its continued growth in the twentieth century. Author and historian Jon C. Teaford reveals the origins of the Indianapolis Speedway, the rise and fall of the Ku Klux Klan, the persistent racial tension in the city, and the revitalization efforts under Mayor William Hudnut and his successors.

Since 1824 Indianapolis has been the state's largest city, its political center, and the home of Indiana's state government, and it continues to be a center for urban growth.

232 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2024

About the author

Jon C. Teaford is Professor Emeritus in the department of history at Purdue University.

Reviews

[Jim Blessing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well read book about Indianapolis.

[Leslie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative, the author gives great insight into very important events in Indianapolis history. Essential for new residents and life-long Indianapolites alike.