History of our Neighborhoods

Elkhart County’s historic neighborhoods tell rich stories about this area’s people, heritage and businesses.

Following the arrival of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad shops in the 1860’s, the State-Division Street Historic District just east of Elkhart’s Main Street ranked as the city’s “first fashionable subdivision”. Today looking at Elkhart’s historic neighborhoods’ Italianate, Queen Anne, Four Square and Bungalow homes along with duplexes and flats, it’s easy to imagine the economically diverse population that settled here.

Before Europeans came to this area, a major Potawatomi trail traveled through Goshen’s Dickerson Landing Neighborhood that borders the east side of the Elkhart River. It’s one of the oldest areas in the city. Later the nation’s first transcontinental highway, the Lincoln Highway, ran through the neighborhood. You can still cross the historic Fort Wayne Street Bridge that spans the river. And downtown, the 1870 Elkhart County Courthouse anchors the Goshen Historic District.

In 1874 Nappanee entrepreneurs seized the dream of the village of Locke by luring the B&O Railroad to their town’s doorstep. Nappanee thrived; Locke did not. But Locke’s entrepreneurial spirit lived. Villagers moved three buildings via sled 2 ½ miles from their quiet town to booming Nappanee. Those same buildings still stand in the Downtown Nappanee Historic District as does the city’s refurbished railroad depot– a fitting monument to Nappanee’s victory.

Bristol
Bristol, Indiana is home to unique restaurants and outdoor activities. Visit Cummins Park, Elkhart County Historical Museum and the Elkhart Civic…
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Elkhart
Visit Elkhart, Indiana for amazing restaurants, art and culture. Spend an afternoon at Wellfield Botanic Gardens and have a delicious meal…
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Goshen
Eat like a local and jumpstart your day at Tipsy Biscuit then toast to the day with a cold brew at…
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Middlebury
Middlebury is known for its peaceful blend of Amish country warmth, scenic trails, and hearty local flavors.
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Nappanee
Excite your taste buds with great food, outstanding craft beer brewed on site and traditional Italian fare at RUHE 152 Italian Bistro.
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New Paris
Grab a slice at Old Time Pizza, a local favorite where pizza, broasted chicken, and hearty pork chops hit the spot.
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Wakarusa
Dig into the legendary smash burgers at the Shortstop Inn, then fuel up with a perfectly brewed cup at the cozy…
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Area Info
Elkhart County was one of the first areas settled in Northern Indiana, and it was organized by an act of the Legislature in 1830.
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