South Bend, Indiana

indiana.htm"--> South Bend is a city in St. Joseph County, in northern Indiana. It covers 39.1 sq mi (101.3 sq km) on an average elevation of 692 ft (211 m). It is located at the southernmost bend of the St Joseph River, and derives its name from that location. With a population of 101,000 (2011 estimate), South Bend is the fourth largest city in Indiana. It observes the Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5) and in summer the Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4).

South Bend experiences a humid continental climate. Lake Michigan plays a large influence in in moderating the climate. Warmest month is July, with average high temperature of 83°F (28.3°C) while coldest month is January, when the average low drops to 16°F (-8.9°C). Snow can be expected from December to February. The wettest month is June, with 4.19 in (106.4 mm) of precipitation.

South Bend Courthouse, South Bend, Indiana
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:South-bend-indiana-courthouse.jpg
Author: Derek Jensen


South Bend was founded by fur traders in 1820, with Pierre Frieschutz Navarre of the American Fur Company being the first to established a settlement in the area. He was joined by other fur traders. In the early years, the settlement was known as St Joseph's, or Big St. Joseph Station. In 1829, when the town applied for a post office, the name Southold was used to designate it. The next year it was renamed again, to South Bend, and this is the name it carries to this day.

By the mid 19th century, South Bend was developing into an industrial town. It receives a boost when Henry Studebaker decided to set up his wagon shop there. The shop, Studebaker, went on to become the largest wagon builder in the world, and thereafter became a car manufacturer. Other major manufacturers were attracted to the site are were setting up their operations, including the Singer Sewing Company in the 19th century, and Bendix Corporation, Honeywell and AlliedSignal in the 20th century.

Vintage Studbaker Light Six, at the Studbaker National Museum, South Bend
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Studebaker-light-six.jpg
Author: Derek Jensen


St Casimir Parish Church, South Bend
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St_Casimir_Parish,_South_Bend_at_sunset.jpg
Author: Ccox csc


By the mid 20th century, the American automobile industry was severely affected by cheaper imports. Studebaker was forced to shut down its automobile plant in South Bend in 1963, a move that had wide spread ramification on the economy of the city, as other manufacturers followed suit. This is reflected in the decline in the city's population, from a peak of 132,445 in 1940, to 101,000 in 2011.

Visiting South Bend, Indiana

Interstate 80/90 cuts across South Bend from east to west, connecting it with Toledo in the east and Chicago in the west. US Highway 31 connect it with Grand Rapids in the north.

Places of Interest in South Bend, Indiana

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