How Indy History Began Indianapolis takes its name from the Native American Indians and the Greeks. When you combine Indian and polis (city), you have Indianapolis, or what the locals fondly refer to as Indy. Indianapolis achieved statehood in 1816 after receiving four pieces of federal land on which to establish a permanent government state seat. Following the 1818 Treaty of St. Mary, the Delaware Indians gave up ownership of their land (known as the New Purchase) in the center of Indiana. This land became known as the New Purchase, which would later become the site of Indiana's capital in 1820. Indianapolis came into being on January 6, 1821, with two architects being tasked with creating the first known town plan for a city in Marion County. Elias Pym Fordham and Alexander Ralston set about designing this town which became incorporated in 1832, followed by incorporation as a city in 1847, with Samuel Henderson being its first mayor. Fast forward to the 21st century for the modern version of Indianapolis and you see the modernization of its downtown area, revamped art district of the White River State Park, and a contemporary version of the Canal Walk. You will also find the Circle Center Mall and new sports centers like the Gainsbridge Fieldhouse and Victory Field. Other infrastructures like the massive Indianapolis International Airport, Lucas Oil Stadium, and the Red Line bus rapid transit projects are part of this century's developments in Indianapolis. Buy your house in Indianapolis, IN, and you're at the center of a contemporary city that is the hub of vibrancy.

Hoosiers know of many fun things to do in Indianapolis. Check a few of these options between hunting down your house in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indianapolis 500: Once a year, around May, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts the internationally renowned racing competition that people worldwide plan to attend, sometimes for years. This motor racing event should be on your bucket list of all the things to do in Indy. However, if you have your own house in Indianapolis, you're on a winning ticket because accommodation is scarce during this fantabulous sporting event.

Wreck-A-Room: Need a major stress reliever? Then it is time to visit this venue on Brill Street, where you can vent your pent-up rage on objects in various rooms, using your weapon or weapons of choice. Locals and visitors love this one, with good reason.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Entertain the kids on five floors of interactive fun that will make you want to stop adulting for a few hours as a viable alternative to wrecking rooms. Explore actual shipwrecks, see the Astronaut's Hall of Fame and immerse yourself in the Schaefer Planetarium and Space Object Theater. Of course, there is far more to do here, but the iconic Canal Walk is just the place to be if you want a more leisurely activity.

Canal Walk: Walk, run, bike, or hire a pedal boat to do sightseeing along the canal for a leisurely, healthy activity with friends or alone during the week or over weekends. Include a theater event and restaurant outing to things that Hoosiers do in downtown Indianapolis.