Image of Indianapolis

Indianapolis

Location

The city where Google canceled a planned $1 billion data center project due to significant local opposition, serving as a prime example of the AI PR crisis.


First Mentioned

10/18/2025, 4:01:10 AM

Last Updated

10/18/2025, 4:05:09 AM

Research Retrieved

10/18/2025, 4:05:09 AM

Summary

Indianapolis, colloquially known as Indy, is the capital and most populous city of Indiana, serving as the seat of Marion County. Established as a planned city in 1821, its grid layout was designed by Alexander Ralston and Elias Pym Fordham, and its historical significance as a transportation hub earned it the slogan "Crossroads of America." With a 2020 population of 887,642, it ranks as the 16th most populous city in the U.S. and anchors the 28th largest metropolitan economy. While known for niche markets in amateur sports and auto racing, including the Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis has recently faced an "AI PR crisis," leading tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon to cancel data center projects due to local backlash over concerns such as rising electricity prices.

Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
  • Type

    Capital city, Most populous city in Indiana, County seat

  • Location

    Central till plain region, along the west fork of the White River, Marion County, Indiana, United States

  • Land Area

    368 square miles (950 km2) (18th most extensive city by land area in U.S.)

  • Niche Markets

    Amateur sports, auto racing

  • Official Name

    Indianapolis

  • Key Industries

    Trade, transportation, utilities, education, health services, professional and business services, government, leisure, hospitality, manufacturing

  • Official Slogan

    Crossroads of America

  • Colloquial Names

    Indy, Crossroads of America, Railroad City, 317, Circle City, Naptown

  • University Campuses

    8

  • Economic Region Rank

    28th largest metropolitan economy in the U.S.

  • Government Structure

    Led by a mayor and a 25-member city-county council (since 1970 Unigov consolidation)

  • Monuments Collection

    Largest collection of monuments dedicated to veterans and war casualties in the U.S. outside of Washington, D.C.

  • Fortune 500 Companies

    3

  • Population (2020 balance)

    887,642 residents (16th most populous city in U.S., 3rd in Midwest)

  • Metropolitan Area Population

    2.1 million residents (33rd most populous MSA in U.S.)

  • Notable Cultural Institutions

    World's largest children's museum

  • Combined Statistical Area Population

    2.6 million residents (28th most populous CSA in U.S.)

Timeline
  • Area inhabited by Indigenous peoples. (Source: Wikipedia)

    10000 BC

  • The Lenape relinquished their tribal lands in the Treaty of St. Mary's. (Source: Wikipedia)

    1818-XX-XX

  • The Indiana General Assembly authorized a committee of ten commissioners to select a site in central Indiana for the new state capital. (Source: Web search)

    1820-01-11

  • Indianapolis was established as a planned city for the new seat of Indiana's state government. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia, Wikidata)

    1821-XX-XX

  • The city was platted by Alexander Ralston and Elias Pym Fordham on a 1-square-mile (2.6 km2) grid. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)

    1821-XX-XX

  • Indianapolis became a seat of county government when Marion County, Indiana, was established. (Source: Web search)

    1821-12-31

  • The steamboat Robert Hanna ran aground along the White River, demonstrating the river was too shallow for major steamboat navigation. (Source: Web search)

    1831-XX-XX

  • Indianapolis was incorporated as a town, with local government placed under the direction of five elected trustees. (Source: Web search)

    1832-XX-XX

  • Indianapolis became an incorporated city, with Samuel Henderson as its first mayor. (Source: Web search)

    1847-03-30

  • Completion of the National and Michigan roads and later arrival of rail solidified the city's position as a major manufacturing and commercial center. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)

    18XX-XX-XX

  • Completion of the Union Station railway hub, which significantly boosted Indianapolis' economy, population, and reputation. (Source: Web search)

    1888-XX-XX

  • City-county consolidation, known as Unigov, established the current local government administration under a mayor and city-county council. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)

    1970-XX-XX

  • The balance population of Indianapolis reached 887,642 residents. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)

    2020-XX-XX

  • Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon canceled data center projects in Indianapolis due to local backlash over concerns like rising electricity prices, as part of an emerging 'AI PR crisis'. (Source: Related documents)

    XXXX-XX-XX

Indianapolis

Indianapolis ( IN-dee-ə-NAP-ə-lis), colloquially known as Indy, is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the county seat of Marion County. Indianapolis is situated in the state's central till plain region along the west fork of the White River. The city's official slogan, "Crossroads of America", reflects its historic importance as a transportation hub and its relative proximity to other major North American markets. At the 2020 census, the balance population was 887,642. Indianapolis is the 16th-most populous city in the U.S., the third-most populous city in the Midwest after Chicago and Columbus, Ohio, and the fourth-most populous state capital in the nation after Phoenix, Austin, and Columbus. The Indianapolis metropolitan area is the 33rd-most populous metropolitan statistical area in the U.S., home to 2.1 million residents. With a population of more than 2.6 million, the combined statistical area ranks 28th. Indianapolis proper covers 368 square miles (950 km2), making it the 18th-most extensive city by land area in the country. Indigenous peoples inhabited the area dating to as early as 10,000 BC. In 1818, the Lenape relinquished their tribal lands in the Treaty of St. Mary's. In 1821, Indianapolis was established as a planned city for the new seat of Indiana's state government. The city was platted by Alexander Ralston and Elias Pym Fordham on a 1-square-mile (2.6 km2) grid. Completion of the National and Michigan roads and later arrival of rail solidified the city's position as a major manufacturing and commercial center. Since the 1970 city-county consolidation, known as Unigov, local government administration operates under the direction of an elected 25-member city-county council headed by the mayor. Indianapolis anchors the 28th largest metropolitan economy in the U.S. Prominent industries include trade, transportation, and utilities; education and health services; professional and business services; government; leisure and hospitality; and manufacturing. The city has notable niche markets in amateur sports and auto racing. Contemporary Indianapolis is home to two major league sports teams, three Fortune 500 companies, eight university campuses, and numerous cultural institutions, including the world's largest children's museum. The city is perhaps best known for hosting the world's largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500. Among the city's historic sites and districts, Indianapolis is home to the largest collection of monuments dedicated to veterans and war casualties in the U.S. outside of Washington, D.C.

Web Search Results
  • Indianapolis, Indiana | Research Starters - EBSCO

    Indianapolis, Indiana, is a city with a rich history, designed as a capital from its inception in 1820 by Alexander Ralston. Its strategic central location has established it as a vital commercial and industrial hub, as well as a key transportation center in the Midwest. The city is recognized for its diverse cultural offerings, including professional sports events such as the iconic Indianapolis 500, held at the renowned Motor Speedway. Central Indianapolis features a circular layout with [...] Indianapolis, Indiana, like Washington, DC, was planned as a capital from its beginnings. In fact, the city was laid out by Alexander Ralston, who had worked with Major Charles Pierre L'Enfant on the design for Washington. The city's central location has made it an ideal commercial and industrial center, and an important transportation hub. Today, Indianapolis is an educational and cultural center for the Midwestern United States, and is well known for its professional sports events. [...] The city often hosts popular sports events that draw visitors from across the United States and abroad. Every year, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the "Racing Capital of the World" hosts the Indianapolis 500 race on Memorial Day, the Brickyard 400, and many other races. Professional sports teams representing Indianapolis include the Colts (football), the Pacers (basketball), the Indiana Fever (women's basketball), the Indy Eleven (soccer), and the Indianapolis Indians (minor league

  • History of Indianapolis - YouTube

    Hello friends and welcome today I'd like to provide an overview of one of America's great cities Indianapolis we will also take a dive into the area's Rich history Indianapolis is the capital and most populous city in the US state of Indiana and is the seat of Maran County it is located at roughly the center point of the state of Indiana in the till plane region along the West Fork of the White River Indianapolis is the the largest city in the United States not on a navigable body of water [...] early on in the city's history the White River on which the city sits was found to be too shallow for use and trade by steamboats the name Indianapolis was created from a combination of the words Indiana which means land of the Indians and the Greek suffix polus meaning city translated literally indianaplis means the city of the land of the Indians nicknames for the city include the 317 Circle City the crossroads of America naptown and Indie some famous individuals from Indianapolis include [...] Indianapolis had a city population of 8876 42 ranking at 16th in the country a metro population of 2,896 53 good for 34th in the nation and a combined statistical area population of 2,599 860 making it the 27th largest in the United States Indianapolis is a planned city the streets of the city are laid out in a grid pattern centered on a large traffic circle called Monument Circle four large diagonal Avenues radiate outwards from Monument Circle the four Avenues being Indiana Avenue Kentucky

  • Indianapolis' History & Heritage - Indy Homes

    As one of the Midwest’s most significant cities, Indianapolis routinely attracts national and international attention with the world’s largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500; the popular Indianapolis Colts; its growing food and restaurant scene; its world-renowned Children’s Museum; and the country’s first Black Expo. [...] Constructed in 1821 in the image of Washington, D.C., Indianapolis took shape around a mile square formed by a grid of perpendicular streets, with the state’s Capitol building situated on its west perimeter. As the city expanded, manufacturing and wholesale districts grew, and immigrants from Germany, Italy, Ireland and Denmark, as well as newly freed African Americans, began moving to Indianapolis. These groups became the heart of the city’s working community. [...] With the completion of the Union Station railway hub in 1888, Indianapolis’ economy, population and reputation boomed. With numerous trains moving in and out of the city every day, Indianapolis was soon dubbed the “Crossroads of America,” a moniker that still sticks today.

  • History of Indianapolis - Wikipedia

    Indianapolis became a seat of county government on December 31, 1821, when Marion County, Indiana, was established. A combined county and town government continued until 1832, when Indianapolis was incorporated as a town and the local government was placed under the direction of five elected trustees. Indianapolis became an incorporated city effective March 30, 1847. Samuel Henderson "Samuel Henderson (Indianapolis mayor)"), the city's first mayor, led the new city government, which included a [...] Indianapolis was founded on the White River under an incorrect assumption that it would serve as a major transportation artery, but the river was difficult to navigate and too shallow during much of the year, especially for steamboats. After the steamboat Robert Hanna ran aground along the White River in 1831, no steamboat successfully returned to the capital city. Flatboats continued to transport goods along a portion of the river until new dams impeded their ability to navigate its waters. A [...] On January 11, 1820, the Indiana General Assembly authorized a committee of ten commissioners to select a site in central Indiana for the new state capital. The state legislature appointed Alexander Ralston and Elias Pym Fordham to survey and design a town plan for Indianapolis, which was platted in 1821. Ralston had been a surveyor for the French architect Pierre L'Enfant, and assisted him in laying out the plan for Washington, D.C. Ralston's original plan for Indianapolis called for a town of

  • A Guide to Indianapolis, Indiana

    Known as the "Crossroads of America," Indianapolis sits at the intersection of major highways, making it an accessible destination for road trips. But what really makes Indy shine is its blend of urban energy and Midwest charm. From its world-class museums to its dynamic food scene, Indianapolis is a city that invites exploration. It's also a hub for sports, particularly motor racing, thanks to the famous Indianapolis 500 race held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. But the city is [...] Indianapolis is a relatively easy city to navigate, with many attractions located within a short distance of each other. If you’re strictly staying in the downtown area, you can easily get away with walking, biking and public transportation. If you prefer public transportation, the IndyGo bus system operates throughout the city. Additionally, there are taxis, ride-sharing services, and, for a fun and eco-friendly option, you can always consider renting a bike or using one of the city’s [...] Indianapolis is known for its sports culture, and there's no shortage of live events to enjoy throughout the year. From the Indianapolis Colts (NFL) to the Indiana Pacers (NBA), you can catch exciting professional games at Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Indianapolis (/ˌɪndiəˈnæpəlɪs/), colloquially known as Indy, is the state capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the seat of Marion County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the consolidated population of Indianapolis and Marion County in 2020 was 977,203. The "balance" population, which excludes semi-autonomous municipalities in Marion County, was 887,642. It is the 15th most populous city in the U.S., the third-most populous city in the Midwest, after Chicago and Columbus, Ohio, and the fourth-most populous state capital after Phoenix, Arizona; Austin, Texas; and Columbus. The Indianapolis metropolitan area is the 33rd most populous metropolitan statistical area in the U.S., with 2,111,040 residents. Its combined statistical area ranks 28th, with a population of 2,431,361. Indianapolis covers 368 square miles (950 km2), making it the 18th largest city by land area in the U.S. Indigenous peoples inhabited the area dating to as early as 10,000 BC. In 1818, the Lenape relinquished their tribal lands in the Treaty of St. Mary's. In 1821, Indianapolis was founded as a planned city for the new seat of Indiana's state government. The city was platted by Alexander Ralston and Elias Pym Fordham on a 1-square-mile (2.6 km2) grid next to the White River. Completion of the National and Michigan roads and arrival of rail later solidified the city's position as a manufacturing and transportation hub. Two of the city's nicknames reflect its historical ties to transportation—the "Crossroads of America" and "Railroad City". Since the 1970 city-county consolidation, known as Unigov, local government administration operates under the direction of an elected 25-member city-county council headed by the mayor. Indianapolis anchors the 29th largest economic region in the U.S., based primarily on the industries of trade, transportation, and utilities; professional and business services; education and health services; government; leisure and hospitality; and manufacturing. The city has notable niche markets in amateur sports and auto racing. The city is home to three Fortune 500 companies, two major league sports clubs (Colts and Pacers), five university campuses, and several museums, including the world's largest children's museum. However, the city is perhaps best known for annually hosting the world's largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500. Among the city's historic sites and districts, Indianapolis is home to the largest collection of monuments dedicated to veterans and war casualties in the U.S. outside of Washington, D.C.

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Location Data

Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, United States

administrative

Coordinates: 39.7683331, -86.1583502

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