It was created in 1928 by an act of Congress that split Indiana into two separate districts, northern and southern.

The Southern District is divided into four divisions, Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Evansville, and New Albany.

The courtrooms are located in the Birch Bayh Federal Building in Indianapolis.

[5] As of July 1, 2024[update]: Chief judges have administrative responsibilities with respect to their district court.

The chief judge serves for a term of seven years, or until age 70, whichever occurs first.