Some of the city 's most prominent architectural features and best known historical events date from the turn of the 20th century . The Soldiers ' and Sailors ' Monument , dedicated on May 15 , 1902 , would later become the city 's unofficial symbol . Ray Harroun won the inaugural running of the Indianapolis 500 , held May 30 , 1911 , at Indianapolis Motor Speedway . Indianapolis was one of the hardest hit cities in the Great Flood of 1913 , resulting in five known deaths and the displacement of 7,000 families
Great Flood of 1913
Great Flood of 1913
Indianapolis