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.
|