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| Indiana Facts |
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In the 1830s canals were dug linking the Great Lakes to Indiana's river systems. The canals proved to be a financial disaster. Railroads made the canal system obsolete even before its completions. |
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Comedian Red Skelton, who created such characters as Clem Kadiddlehopper, and Freddie the Freeloader, was born in Vincennes, Indiana. |
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In 1862, Richard Gatling, of Indianapolis, Indiana, invented the rapid-fire machine gun. |
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