Indiana State Awards

Anyone may make a nomination for the Sagamore, but the Governor issues only a very limited number each year, in their judgment and discretion.

Among those who have received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians and citizens who have contributed greatly to Hoosier heritage.

There is no official record of the total number presented, as each governor has kept his own roll, just as each has reserved the right to personally select the recipients.

The Circle of Corydon was created by Governor Holcomb to honor Hoosiers together with the recipient's State Representative or Senator.

The Distinguished Hoosier has been awarded by Governors for more than fifty years to recognize outstanding Indiana residents.

He determined it would be awarded to only those persons that had shown exceptional heroic conduct especially as exhibited in fulfilling a high purpose or attaining a noble end.