Bicentennial Torch Relay Route Unveiled
Lieutenant Governor Eric Holcomb joined Mark Newman, executive director of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development Wednesday to unveil the statewide route of the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay. The state says the route "showcases locations of natural beauty, local interest and historic significance to the state."
The relay will begin in the state’s original capital of Corydon on September 9 with the route covering 3,200 miles in each of Indiana’s 92 counties. Nearly 2,000 torchbearers will participate in the relay.
"The Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay is not only the premier event of our state’s Bicentennial Celebration, but it is also an opportunity for Hoosiers from counties large and small to showcase all that makes Indiana unique," said Holcomb. "The torch route was designed to highlight the state’s cultural fabric, our history and values, and the spirit of Hoosier ingenuity, igniting generations to come."
The state says the route will touch:
- 260 cities and towns
- 17 state and national parks, including Indiana Dunes, Turkey Run, Falls of the Ohio and Abraham Lincoln’s Boyhood Home
- Nine lakes and rivers including the Ohio and Wabash Rivers
- 27 national, state and local sites of historic significance including the Levi Coffin House, Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and Lanier Mansion
- 22 colleges and universities
The torchbearers will carry the torch, which was designed and built by Purdue University engineering students, by various well-known places, such as the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, Connor Prairie, French Lick Resort, Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NSA Crane, among many others.
"As we reflect on Indiana’s first 200 years, the torch relay is a terrific opportunity to showcase the beauty and allure of Indiana," said Newman. "From the Lake Michigan shoreline to the rolling hills along the Ohio River, Indiana is full of special people and places. The Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay allows us to show off both our state and civic pride as we honor our past while symbolically ‘passing the torch’ to future generations of Hoosiers."
You can view the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay route below: