Local History
The Michiana area (the combined southern Michigan and northern Indiana communities) has a rich and varied history. The history provided here has been assembled from many various sources, including our own research collection. If you have further questions, please contact
Early St. Joseph County History
The St. Joseph River Valley Region prior to the exploration by Europeans.
St. Joseph County First Settlers
The earliest settlers to the St. Joseph County and South Bend area.
The Potawatomi Trail of Death
In 1838, militia marched the Potawatomi out of Indiana to Kansas. One-fifth of the tribe died on the way. This is the Trail of Death.
Early South Bend
How the capital city of St. Joseph County, Indiana, developed into a major Indiana city.
St. Joseph County Fast Facts
Some facts about St. Joseph County, Indiana.