I remember from my fourth grade Indiana history that Indianapolis was founded as a central location for a capital city. Good idea, huh? Those pioneer Hoosiers had everyone in mind when they did that. Why make the good people of northern Indiana ride their horses all the way to Corydon (the old capital, right?), to visit their states capital?

I remember reading that at the time of the Indy decision, they actually thought the White River could be a waterway for goods (our White River? Was there a flood happening when they saw the river that year?!).

Here is where I eventually will get to the point of this post. Where most other cities naturally grew out of being near a sea/river port, a gathering place because of natural beauty, etc., Indianapolis was some surveyors' answer to a problem-- a compromise for easy travel for the states population.

So here we are, all these years later. Any success Indy has had, has been because of the efforts of citizens who wanted more for their city. I think that without this extra everyday effort of caring people, this city would dry up and blow away. Natural beauty? None really (mountains,oceans,etc. Let's get real people). Reasons for others to travel to our fair town besides the intersecting of highways? If not for the tireless efforts of the convention organizers, and a not-so-popular-anymore motor race, I say "very few". The natural momentum for growth here ain't a hell of a lot.

This post is a reality check from the usual rah-rah stuff. There needs to be a continuation of the vision of an Arts destination in my opinion, which was started during the last mayors' tenure. Sporting events come and go. Beautiful public sculpture, and beautiful architecture (please!! for the love of God!), galleries, museums, are lasting and year round draws.

I understand that the current mayor is going to try to set the house in order and cut some of the extras, the chaff. I hope he can have a vision for the city though. The minute Indy stops going forward, it's gonna start rolling back down the hill. This city does survive by sheer willpower!