Description: South Bend, Indiana stood at the crossroads of several major Native American trading routes long before the Europeans, led by the French, arrived from Canada and the East Coast to trade for furs. The city on a bend of the St. Joseph River soon became an important commercial center for settlers moving west. Eventually, the University of Notre Dame and Studebaker would call the growing community home.
Brief description: John Palmer has worked in the local history department of the St. Joseph County Public Library for more than 10 years. He is a member of the Northern Indiana Historical Society and the South Bend Area Genealogical Society. His compelling narrative, complemented by vivid historic images, is an enlightening and entertaining portrayal of this Michiana city's history.