All across the state, Hoosiers are eager to celebrate Indiana's 200th birthday. This exciting occasion has even prompted the Indiana Association of United Ways to lead the Bison-tennial Public Art Project, endorsed by the Indiana Bicentennial Commission.
The bison, who roamed the land far, far before Indiana statehood, is depicted on the state seal. From 1965 until the early 1970s, Indiana University recognized the bison as its mascot. Shown here is a University Archives photograph of the bison mascot at an IU football game in 1967.
Considering this iconic animal's own backstory has made significant marks on the state, Indiana will adorn itself with bison during the "bison-tennial." Each fiberglass work of art will be five feet tall, decorated, and showcased in a different Indiana county (totaling at least 92 bison, as some counties may display not just one, but entire herds!) Some of these will of course be located along the route of the Bicentennial Torch Relay, which is set to take place September 9, 2016 through October 15, 2016.
The project is anticipated to be complete and on display by May 2016.
For more information on bison, as well as Indiana history, check out the materials and resources in Government Information!