Johnny Appleseed Day is celebrated today! John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, died in Allen County, Indiana, in 1845. Stories say he helped plant fruit orchards all along the frontier. He was a friend to both the Native Americans and the settlers. Children could plant some apple seeds in small containers. They could also dry apple rings. They could learn more at: Johnny Appleseed.
Northwest Ordinance was created in 1787. It provided for the government of the territory north of the Ohio River. However, it was the foundation for all other American territorial governments. It established how the territory could eventually become a state, and it guaranteed basic freedoms for its inhabitants. States carved from the Northwest Territory include Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and Minnesota. Idea: Older children could read a transcript of the document at: Northwest Ordinance. Children could find out how a territory can become a state or states.
Gasoline pump was operated for the first time in 1885. Created by Sylvester F. Bowser of Fort Wayne, Indiana, it could hold a barrel of gasoline. Automobiles were not invented then, so why a gasoline pump? He was using it to measure and sell kerosene. Later, he adapted it to measure automobile gasoline.
Indiana Flag
Indiana became the nineteenth state of the United States in 1816. Indianapolis is the state capital, and the state’s nickname is the Hoosier State. Mound builders lived in the area around AD 1000. It is about 36,185 miles square, placing it thirty-eighth in area. It ranks fourteenth in population. Farming is a leading source of employment in the north, and rich coal deposits can be found in the southern parts of the state. It is the leading U. S. producer of limestone. Children could visit an Internet site at: Indiana. The Indianapolis 500 has been running since 1911. Children could make a board game about Indiana. The board could be a speed track. The students who know the most about Indiana would win the game.