See the Impact of World War I in Indiana

Indiana's role in World War I was not one event, but several smaller events that added up to a large impact on the war effort. From changing its work on racecars to repairing planes and inventing new engines to the dozens of heroes - men and women of all colors and walks of life - that we’re sent overseas, Indiana's impact was felt throughout the Great War.

One of the biggest contributions that Indiana made to World War I and World War II was its engineering force and mechanical talents.

In March of 1917, James A. Allison, one of the founders of the Indianapolis Speedway and fathers of the modern Indy 500, declared the cancellation of the Indy 500. He said, "Racing means taking away from the government the services of skilled mechanics whose services can be used by the government to better advantage in time of war than by a speedway corporation as a means of entertainment. [...] Many materials and accessories used in racing will become absolute necessities in times of conflict.”

To show his dedication, James A. Allison converted his machine shop that used to work on racecars into a workshop to make parts for the Liberty Aircraft Engine. Later, the entire Indianapolis Speedway would be converted into a hangar and airfield for the United States to use during World War I.

Learn More about World War I IN Indiana

While James A. Allison's story is a great one, it is one of many. Hundreds of heroes served in World War I, and their legacies echo throughout the State. With so much to explore, we made exploring easy with our map. Find your location and explore what is near you or plan a trip to see some of the amazing locations throughout Indiana.

The map is currently set to filter only locations pertaining to World War I. Click here if you want to have the control of choosing to filter by conflict, type, or region. You may also click on the map to see what locations are revealed and more information about them.