Why So Few Americans Live In Indiana

Indiana is an unusual state because, while its squished in between its sibling Northwest Territory states of Ohio, Michigan and Illinois, it didn't grow nearly as large or as fast as the other three. In fact, Indiana is about half the size of Illinois! So what's going on in the Hoosier State that kept people away during a time when people flocked to Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois?

In this video, we'll cover the history of the Northwest Territory and how it got divided up into its current states, the physical geography of Indiana and how it compares with Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois, and why Indiana ultimately ended up less urbanized and populated than states that would otherwise be its peers within the United States.

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Video editing support provided by Kat Olsen

[johnarmstrong]

Anyone from Indiana hearing the pronunciations of Indiana towns cringed...

[USAF-SF]

As a 65yrs old Boomer born and raised in Indiana, I can promise you, there isn't one single Hoosier that says "oh, I wish we had more people living here..." There are many secrets about living in Indiana that Hoosiers don't want the outside to ever discover...

[ZhenhaoGe]

I lived in Indiana from 2006 to 2017. As a foreigner coming to the US as a student, it is my first stop, after living in CA and TX later on, I still missed my time in Indiana, when I was at school, with nice American friends, and peaceful life over there.

[geom]

My car was giving me trouble on the Indiana Toll Road near Fremont while on vacation. I stopped at the service plaza and asked the man if there was a repair shop nearby, Called them up and they gave me directions over the phone until I found them. They were very friendly and eager to look at my car. They figured out the problem, but had to order an alternator. It was Saturday so I figured that I would not be going anywhere for a while. They were able to get one late the same day and the boss asked two mechanics if they would come in on Sunday when they were normally closed to get me on my way. Of course they said yes and had car fixed first thing.
This was 20 years ago and I hope these people are well. Hoosiers are the best, Indiana should be proud.

[progagainstpirates]

Say it with me:

Vincennes - "vin-senz, " Potawatomi - "pah-tah-wah-toe-me, " Calumet - "Cal-you-met, " Hoosier - "hoo-sher."

[davidfox]

As a Hoosier, I truly appreciate the shout out. I loved your presentation, but man... Your pronunciation of like, five different words made my eye twitch. You actually got me to yell at my phone in the lobby of a police station. I'm telling myself that it was purposefully done to drive engagement (and if so, congratulations, you got a comment out of me). But if it isn't...

[SmashhoofTheOriginal]

Southern Indiana is particularly known for its limestone. 35 of the 50 state capitol buildings in the US are made from Indiana limestone. Also, famous buildings like the Empire State Building, the Biltmore estate, the Pentagon, and the National Cathedral are also made of Indiana limestone.

[georgew]

Born and live in Chicago. When we need a break from the madness we go to Indiana or Wisconsin. The people are nicer and it's so peaceful.

[codywilde]

Where I live in Indiana is perfect! My family and I are 1 hour south of Indy, 1 hour north of Louisville, and 1 hour west of Cincinnati. The area is all farm land and forest. If we want something fun to do, we just drive a short distance any direction and BAM, there's a city. Great place to live!

[tedcoates]

I live in Indianapolis and enjoyed the program very much. Please double check your pronunciations in future programs as there were really too many in this one.

[community]

I was born and raised in Indiana - I love it here and who wants more people to crowd everything? No one does. The location of the state is perfect because we don't have hurricanes, violent earthquakes, no volcanoes, and all the rest of the nonsense that people seem attracted to. We are at times effected by the New Madrid fault. It would be nice to be on some beach on the west, east coasts or Florida but all that can change in an instance after some horrible storm hits so no thanks I'll stay in my state forever!!!!

[CurtisGrant-BoilerLA]

I'm a boomer from Indiana. West Central Indiana. My kids live in McCordsville. It takes 30 min to drive a few miles so many have moved there! I live 24 miles from Lafayette. I can get there in 20 minutes driving thru the country. I really don't need any more people crowding my space. Indiana is a flyover and I REALLY LIKE THAT!

[dennisyerger]

Indiana has the shortest shoreline of any Great Lakes state in the Midwest, so that's one reason why it's so different.

[cadody]

Southern Indiana has more in common with Kentucky and the south than it does with the rest of Indiana and the Midwest.

[stormblood]

I think the allure to Indiana is our attitude and way of life. It's very much a "You do want you want, let me do what I want and we'll have no issues" We have people from all walks of life living right next to each other, with little conflict from it. It's common to find a gay or lesbian couple living right next to very religious people and still being friendly and not invading each others lives. Further, we have something for everyone to do, we don't have a specific industry that dominates too heavily. We like entrepreneurship but also have a level of respect for those that just want to have their 9 to 5 and go home. We're and easy going place, going slow to an unchosen place, just here for the journey.

[Slaythehippies]

I would think that the fact Indiana has never had a real boom attributes to its stability and the fact its never had a real bust either. It just does its thing and it works out.

[dvferyance]

More people live in Indiana than Wisconsin or Minnesota. Keep in mind Indiana has less land than any other state in the Midwest.

[Cutterscorner]

There’s a lot of information you’ve left out about Indiana history. The southern part of the state is more like Kentucky. The northern and southern parts of the state are very different. There were a lot of Quaker settlers that hid native Americans too. We were the path to freedom for slaves escaping slavery. We are a proud people. Our population is just fine. We like it that way. ❤

[Ethan.D.McKinney]

I'm from Indiana, born and raised. I couldn't be more proud! I love Indiana!

[ojisanhoward]

ONLY! A non Hoosier would pronounce Vincennes that way!