Indiana was made a separate territory in 1800, and achieved statehood in 1816. Even after becoming a state, pioneer life in "frontier" Indiana remained difficult for many years.

The 1851 Indiana State constitution originally included an article 13 that prohibited any "Negro or Mulatto"from settling in Indiana. It was removed and replaced by popular vote in1881, and by 1896 four African-Americans had already served in the Indiana General Assembly

Indiana granted women the right to vote before the 19th amendment was made to the federal Constitution. Women were also heavily involved in the works of many state agencies and boards, including the Board of State Charities, which campaigned for medical reform, and the Indiana War History Commission, which actually maintained a "Women's Division."

By the turn of the 20th century, Indiana had created strict guidelines for practicing medicine in Indiana. Hoosier doctors also helped change the way patients were treated, especially in the case of the mentally ill.

In Indiana, arguments of Heredity versus Environment resulted in the implementation of the Eugenics program. The Eugenics movement was an attempt to rid the state of crime, poverty, and other social ills that were believed to be inherited. The movement instituted the sterilization of the socially and mentally "unfit," and contests to promote healthier babies.

In an attempt to find homes for local orphans, Indiana passed laws restricting the placement of children from other states in Hoosier homes without notifying or gaining the permission of Hoosier authorities. Licenses, activity reports, and regular inspections were soon required of any organisation that dealt with the welfare and health of any Hoosier child.

While not the first state to segregate female prisoners, Indiana was the first state to build an entirely separate Women's Prison. Indiana also segregated prisoners with regard to age and severity of crime, and required regular inspections and reports of all correctional facilities.