Most pioneer towns became official cities after years of settlement, but not so with Indianapolis. Because of its central location, state officials rather abruptly created Indianapolis as the state capital in 1821 on the White River at the mouth of Fall Creek. Architect Alexander Ralston, who had worked with Pierre L'Enfant in designing Washington, DC, laid out the city on a mile-square grid. At its center, he placed a circle (now Monument Circle), the starting point for four diagonal spoke streets.

Indianapolis' convenient proximity proved to be a boost to its growth as a transportation hub that has become known as the "Crossroads of America." The nation's first union rail depot was Union Station in Indianapolis. With the development of the National Road, a steady stream of settlers poured into Indianapolis. Today the National Road is U.S. 40, known in Indianapolis as Washington Street.

Indianapolis' central location continues as a strong factor in its attraction as a great place to live, work and visit. Indy is within a day's driving of half the nation's population, so it is a convenient stop and exciting destination.