As Indiana celebrates its 200th birthday today, Hoosiers need more knowledge of their past, historian James H. Madison said.
"We need more history," said Madison, a professor emeritus of history at Indiana University, adding that's particularly true in a time when many people don't vote and some believe things they think are facts without knowing how to make sure. "If we're going to have barbarians with historical ignorance as fellow citizens, we're in for a little bit of tough times."
In some ways, the fact that it is the state's bicentennial has helped by focusing the attention of both adults and kids on the state's history, Madison said, prompting them to think about where we've been, where we are and where we want to go.
That's important because Hoosiers "can't understand where we are now without understanding where we have been," he said.
So where have we been, and what did Indiana and Monroe County look like 200 years ago?
In place of the historic limestone courthouse, there's a plot of land that in two years will house a one-story, two-room log cabin to serve as both courthouse and school.
As winter approaches, pioneers prepare for the cold — and not just by breaking out their warm sweaters and coats and gloves.