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History of South Bend, Indiana, USA
Journey back in time to South Bend, Indiana, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to South Bend, Indiana, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About South Bend
South Bend, St Joseph, Indiana, USA
At one time Studebaker Company of South Bend was the nation's largest producer of horse-drawn wagons. It later developed into a multimillion-dollar automobilemanufacturer.
At one time Studebaker Company of South Bend was the nation's largest producer of horse-drawn wagons. It later developed into a multimillion-dollar automobilemanufacturer.
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VINTAGE SOUTH BEND
South Bend Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
South Bend, Indiana, USA
Postcard
Colfax Avenue Bridge
South Bend, Indiana, USA
Postcard
Michigan Street
South Bend, Indiana, USA
Postcard
Y. M. C. A. Main Building and Boys' Dormitory
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to SOUTH BEND
Hoosier Hilarity: Indiana Basketball and Cornfield Mug
Step into the heart of the Hoosier state with our Indiana-inspired ceramic mug, proudly proclaiming, 'I'm from Indiana! That explains a lot about my love for basketball rivalries that divide families and cornfield mazes that reunite them.' Perfect for anyone with Indiana roots or a love for the state's quirky culture, this mug is a tribute to the joys and jests of life in the Midwest.
INDIANA - Hoosier Hilarity: Basketball and Cornfield Mug
Step into the heart of the Hoosier state with our Indiana-inspired ceramic mug, proudly proclaiming, "I'm from Indiana! That explains a lot about my love for basketball rivalries that divide families and cornfield mazes that reunite them." Perfect for anyone with Indiana roots or a love for the state's quirky culture, this mug is a tribute to the joys and jests of life in the Midwest.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover South Bend: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped South Bend through the years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
1952 - December 21 - WSBT TV channel 22 in South Bend, IN (CBS) begins broadcasting
1963 - Studebaker Automobile Corporation ceased auto production at South Bend plant
Show more local history, news & stories
South Bend is the snowiest place in Indiana, averaging 66.8 inches (170 cm) per year.
South Bend is the wettest city in Indiana, averaging 102 days of precipitation each year.
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...
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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...
GENEALOGY IN SOUTH BEND
Discover YOUR Roots: South Bend Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in South Bend, Indiana, USA
We currently have information about 12 ancestors who were born or died in South Bend.
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Updated: 10/15/2023 9:07:50 PM
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