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Michigan City, Indiana

Incorporated: as a city in 1836  Michigan City's lighthouse
Highlights: Museums
Beachfront with bandstand
Washington Park
Lighthouse
Zoo
Shopping and Outlet Mall
Origin of Name:  Michigan City lies 10 miles southwest of the Michigan state line and was mapped out and named by founder Major Isaac C. Elston.
Town/City Nickname:

Airplane pilots refer to Michigan City as "The City of the Lighted Cross" because Franklin and Michigan Streets form the appearance of a lighted cross when viewed from the sky. 

Post Your Message: Michigan City DiscussionMichigan City Discussion
Some History:  

In 1674, Father Marquette first mentioned a place where Trail Creek flowed  into Lake Michigan.  This land was purchased in 1830 by Michigan City founder Major Isaac C. Elston from Crawfordsville, Indiana. Elston saw such a great potential for the land that he bought, named, mapped out the area without laying eyes on it first.  

By the mid 1800's, the harbor at Michigan City was busy with regional trade via Great Lakes sailing vessels, and commerce and population boomed as a result.  Even further increase occurred with the Chicago Fire of 1871 as Michigan City became an optional port while the Illinois city rebuilt.  

As sailing ships were replaced by steam ships, and transportation vessels were needed at sea for the First World War, Michigan City transformed its focus from a port for ships to a haven for vacationers.  Travelers were easily drawn to the beaches and attractive lake views.

Many of the resort homes of that time still exist in Michigan City, now as permanent residences.  Today's Michigan City makes claim to historic architecture, a welcoming and culturally-minded community, and a beachfront that is as impressive as it once was to those earlier travelers.

Chamber Site: Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce
Related Sites:  MichiganCity.com; eMichiganCity.com; MClib.org
County: LaPorte
Map:
Click on image to view larger map.
Michigan City, Indiana Map
other Michigan City Links:
Michigan City
Michigan City Life  
Historic Structures of Michigan City, IN 

sources
www.michigancity.com 
www.michigancitydirect.com/history.html   

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