Michigan City has a long and honored history as one of the Great Lakes region’s pioneers in commercial and industrial development. First mentioned by Father Marquette in 1674, the site where Trail Creek empties into Lake Michigan eventually became the village of Michigan City in 1832. Incorporated shortly thereafter in 1836, the city was home to a great many families from New England that gave it its particular Yankee personality.

By the middle of the nineteenth century, Michigan City’s harbor bustled with regional trade and economic activity. Great Lakes sailing vessels used the town as an important depot for agriculture and raw materials. Grain, hay, potatoes, lumber, iron ore, stone and shingles passed through the city in vast amounts. Commerce and population boomed during the golden days of the Great Lakes sailing ships and peaked in 1868. The Chicago Fire of 1871 further stimulated the region’s lumber industry as that city began to rebuild. By 1880, lumber trade was at its zenith and more than 2000 ships plied the Great Lakes’ commercial routes.

The turn of the century brought about sweeping changes in regional industry. Steam power replaced sail power on the Great Lakes and the growth of Chicago into a heavy commercial center diverted government funds from Michigan City. Excursion steamers and trains provided the impetus for area tourism. Families from around the region made regular stops at the famous Hoosier Slide and couples married atop the 200-foot high mound of white sugar sand. The decline of lumber from the shoreline led to the creation of the beachfront, and Michigan City grew into a popular resort spot for travelers.

The outbreak of the First World War interrupted the Great Lakes transportation and commerce network as many commercial and passenger steamers went to the Atlantic Ocean for war duty. The face of the city changed accordingly as the old world slowly faded away and was replaced by the challenges of the new. In the 1920s, Michigan City admirably met the challenge and became the Midwest’s most popular resort city while also growing to become a leading industrial city. Industrial expansion led to continued growth in population and the new residents were treated to a delightful blend of old world charm and the excitement of continuous change.

Today, the vacation resorts of the past have become handsome permanent residences. Thoughtful planning and continuous progress are the order of the day. The skyline changes and expands with fresh new developments while the waterfront is now the home of the Michigan City Yacht Club, a Coast Guard Station and a large marina servicing more than 1000 craft.

For more than 160 years, Michigan City has grown and changed, adapting to new developments and new ideas, always improving and providing the highest quality of life for its residents.

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