History of South Bend, Indiana, USA

1854 - South Bend
South Bend, a flourishing post-town of Portage township and capital of St. Joseph county, Indiana, is finely situated on St. Joseph's river, and on the Northern Indiana railroad, 85 miles E. by S. from Chicago. It is one of the principal stations on the rail road which connects Chicago with Lake Erie, and it is the northern terminus of the Michigan road, which is one of the greatest thoroughfares of the state. The river is navigable for small steamboats from its mouth to Constnntine, which is above South Bend. A dam across the river at this place produces a vast hydraulic power, which is employed in manufactures of various kinds ; among which are 2 flouring mills, 1 woollen factory, 1 oil mill, 1 edge-tool factory, and several machine shops. The village contains a bank and 3 newspaper offices. The University of Notre Dame (Catholic) is situated 1 mile from the town, on the border of a small lake. Population in 1853, estimated at 2000.

A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - South Bend
South Bend, a city of Indiana, the county-seat of St. Joseph co., is on the St. Joseph River, and on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, Chicago & Grand Trunk, Michigan Central, and Vandalia Railroads, 15 miles W. of Elkhart, 86 miles E. by S. of Chicago, 10 miles S. of Niles, Mich., and 27 miles E. by N. of La Porte. It contains a court-house, a savings-bank, 16 churches, the St. Joseph Academy, 3 national banks, a high school, and printing-offices which issue 2 daily and 3 weekly news papers. It has extensive manufactures of carriages, furniture, farming implements, wood-work for sewing-machines (employing 1200 men), flour, paper, woollen-goods, bricks, ploughs, reapers, and chairs. The University of Notre Dame (Catholic) is 13 miles from the city. Pop. in 1860, 3832; in 1870, 7206; in 1880, 13,280; in 1890, 21,819; in 1894, 26,000.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1896 - ODDFELLOWS' TEMPLE DESTROYED BY FIRE.
South Bend, Ind., Jan. 10. - Fire Wednesday night destroyed the Oddfellows temple and contents, causing a loss of $35,000. Other losses were as follows:
John E. Fisher, law and real estate office.
Jasper E. Lewis, insurance.
A. L. BRICK, law office.
WILBERT WARD, law offices.
J. C. STOVER, lumber office.
F. J. LEWIS MYER, law office.
Dunbar & Dunbar, law and real estate office.

The heaviest losers are Kempner & Schafer and the Oddfellows, who own the building.
Evening Bulletin
Maysville, Kentucky
January 10, 1896

1900 - Fatal Hotel Fire.
South Bend, Ind., June 20.-Fire in the Morrison Hotel early this morning resulted in the death of L.C. Smart, a telephone lineman, and the serious injury of six other persons. Loss $25,000.
New Haven Register
New Haven, Connecticut
June 20, 1900

1906
South Bend, a city, the county-seat of St. Joseph co., Ind., is on the St. Joseph River and on the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern and other railroads, 27 mile E. by N. of Laporte. Among its more notable buildings and institutions are the court-house, the city-hall, St. Joseph's Academy, and the Norther Indiana Medical and Surgical Institute. At Notre Dame, about 1 1/ 2 miles from the city, are Notre Dame University (Roman Catholic) and St. Mary's Academy. South Bend has extensive manufactures of foundry products, wagons and carriages, furniture, farming-implements (ploughs, etc.), watches, toys, flour, paper, woollen goods, and bricks. Pop. in 1890, 21,819; in 1900, 35,999.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1914 - SOUTH BEND BUILDING COLLAPSES; FOUR DIE. STRUCTURE FALLS WHILE STREETS ARE CROWDED, NARROWLY MISSING KILLING PERSONS ON STREET.
South Bend, Ind., Jan. 5 - Three men and one woman were killed when a recently remodeled three story building, the lower floor of which was vacant, collapsed here Saturday. One of the victims was a Chinaman, the other was a negress.

The Chinaman and negress were employed in a restaurant, which occupied the second floor of the building.

The building collapsed while the streets were crowded and a number of persons had narrow escapes from injury.

One man was caught by the falling timbers and pinned to the ground, but was released in a short time. He was not seriously injured...

The Evening Gazette
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
January 5, 1914

1952 - December 21 - WSBT TV channel 22 in South Bend, IN (CBS) begins broadcasting

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1963 - Studebaker Automobile Corporation ceased auto production at South Bend plant

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South Bend is the snowiest place in Indiana, averaging 66.8 inches (170 cm) per year.

National Weather Service

South Bend is the wettest city in Indiana, averaging 102 days of precipitation each year.

National Weather Service

Whether you're into sports, culture, or just enjoying the local scene, here's a list of places to go and things to do in South Bend:
University of Notre Dame: This world-renowned university is the pride of South Bend. You can take a stroll through the beautiful campus, visit the famous Notre Dame Stadium, or explore the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Don't forget to stop by the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes for a peaceful moment of reflection.

Studebaker National Museum: For car enthusiasts and history buffs, this museum is a must-visit. It showcases the history of the Studebaker Corporation, a prominent American automobile manufacturer. You'll find a fantastic collection of vintage cars and artifacts.

The History Museum: This museum offers a fascinating look at the history of South Bend and the surrounding region. It's housed in a historic Oliver Mansion, which is a beautiful structure in itself. The museum hosts rotating exhibits, so there's always something new to see.

Potawatomi Zoo: This compact yet charming zoo is perfect for a family outing. It features a variety of animals and is known for its... Read MORE...