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HISTORY OF SOUTH BEND In 1820, Pierre Navarre settled along the St. Joseph River, followed by other fur traders including Lathrop Taylor and Alexis Coquillard, two men who figured prominently into South Bend's development. By 1830, St. Joseph County was organized and South Bend's popula- tion had grown to 128. The platting of South Bend occurred the following year in the traditional grid pattern. Incorporation of South Bend took place in 1835 and, in that same year, work began on a dam and power races along the St. Joseph River which was completed in 1844. With the power of the river harnessed, the advent of the railroad, and other factors, South Bend became an industrial center. Professionals, business people and work- ers began building homes, many of which are part of today's historic districts. By 1922, South Bend's population equaled more than 85, 000 and the city covered an area of approximately sixteen square miles. Ill�l Chamber of Commerce published a book year entitled, South Bend World Fame which touted South Bend as a "world known in- dustrial and commercial city... in the fertile and picturesque St. Joseph Valley." The book de- scribed the cities commercial and industrial en- terprises as well as a few of prominent citizens. In the last twenty years, local citizens and public officials have become aware of the importance of historic structures and sites as part of the areas cultural heritage. HISTORY CONTINUED.... Since 1973 over 6, 000 buildings Me been identified by the Commission as being his- torically and architecturally important. Of these several have been recommended for protection by historic landmark and district status. Please keep in mind when touring Lo- cal Historic Districts and/or Local Landmarks the majority of the build- ings are private residences which are not open to the public Please respect the owners' privacy and do not tres- pass. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Office Location: 125 S. Lafayette, 1 st Floor Mailing Address: 227 West Jefferson Blvd. South Bend IN 46601 Phone: 219- 235 -9798 Fax: 219- 235 -9578 Email: historic @michiana.org u rt 'iu SOUT BIRD'S 1 0CAi HISTORIC 01STRICTS • HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND & ST. JOSEPH COUNTY 2001 HISTORIC PRESER VATION COMMISSION In 1973, the Historic Preservation Com- mission was established by the South Bend Com- mon Council and the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners as a public agency to survey, iden- tify, plan for and recommend historic districts and landmarks. Designation of historic landmarks and districts serves to safeguard the cultural, social, and architectural heritage of the city and county by providing a means to preserve the built environ- ment The primary function of the Commission is to identify and protect buildings, structures, sites, and objects which are architecturally or his- torically significant. The Historic Preservation Commission makes recommendations to the Common Council or the County Council for landmarks and districts which are then created by the passage of an ordi- nance. Once a landmark or district is designated, the Commission serves as the agency which ad- ministers the architectural standards required l the designation. To date, approximately 175 Local Land- marks, eight local districts, and six National Regis- ter districts have bee designated in neighborhoods throughout the city and county. A district is a geo- graphically definable area with a significant con- centration of buildings united by past events, de- sign, material or related historical associations. The eight local districts that can be found in South Bend are: West North Shore, Riverside Drive, River Bend, North St. Joseph, Taylor's Field, Edgewater Place, Lincolnway East and East Wayne Street.