Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis, IN is the capital of Indiana and the county seat of Marion county.  Population of the city is 829,718 with a median income of $40,154 and a median age of 34.  If you add in all of the suburbs of Indianapolis then the population is 2,080,782 making it the 23rd largest city in the U.S.  It is the second largest city in the Midwest; Chicago is first.  Historically, Indianapolis was a Government and Industrial city specializing in manufacturing.  In the 1980s the downtown area of Indianapolis began its revitalization plan of the down town area which brought a more diversified economy with education, health care and finance.  Tourism has also boosted the economy of Indianapolis hosting conventions and sporting events.  During the revitalizing of the downtown area canals were put in (it reminded me of the river walk in San Antonio, TX) where you can walk, use paddle boats and just enjoy the canals.
Native Americans lived in the Indianapolis area until 1820 when they were displaced and Indianapolis became the capital of Indiana.  It was chosen because it was almost dead center in the state of Indiana.  Indianapolis was named by Jeremiah Sullivan, a judge of the Indiana Supreme Court, by joining Indiana with the Greek word 'polis' meaning city.  So, Indianapolis means Indiana City.  The city was designed similar to Washington DC with the center of the city, where the Governor's Mansion would be, surrounded by a circular drive then all the roads surrounding the city would run north-south and east-west.  In 1857 the mansion was torn down and the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument was built.  It is a 284 ft structure and was the tallest structure in Indianapolis.  In the area surrounding the Monument no building can be built higher than the monument.  The NFL and NBA both have teams here; the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Pacers.  Indianapolis is also home to the Indianapolis Speedway featuring the Indianapolis 500 (Indy car) and the Brickyard 400 (NASCAR).  Indianapolis is a great town and has everything; a beautiful downtown, businesses, museums, a zoo, sports teams, theaters, a Symphony and it is home to the largest Children's museum.
We were in southern Indianapolis last night visiting my college roommate, and friend, Dawn.  We had dinner with her family, Roland and daughter Jordan.  It was so good to be with Dawn again and Tim and Roland were very patient with Dawn and I as we reminisced about our college days.  For some strange reason Tim and Roland would not believe that Dawn and I have not changed one bit since college...in our minds!  We had such a great time together that we are going to get together again when we return to Indiana in a few weeks.  Thanks Dawn, Roland and Jordan for a great time!