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Hobart, Indiana

Hobart (, locally ) is a city in Lake County, Indiana, United States. The population was 29,752 at the 2020 census, up from 29,059 in 2010. It has been historically primarily residential, though recent annexation has added a notable retail corridor to the city.

History
Hobart was platted in 1849. George Earle, an English immigrant, bought land from the Potawatomi Native American tribe, who built a dam on Deep River, creating Lake George. He named the settlement that later developed into Hobart, after his brother, Frederick Hobart Earle, who never left England. The first school of the city was built in 1878.

The First Unitarian Church of Hobart, Hobart Carnegie Library Hobart Commercial District, and Pennsylvania Railroad Station are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Lake George Commercial Historic District is noted locally. Hobart is also the site of several WPA projects, including a post office.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Hobart has a total area of 26.705 sqmi, of which 26.33 sqmi (or 98.6%) is land and 0.375 sqmi (or 1.4%) is water.

Hobart is approximately 31 mi southeast of Chicago.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 29,059 people, 11,650 households, and 7,664 families residing in the city. The population density was 1103.6 PD/sqmi. There were 12,399 housing units at an average density of 470.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 85.3% White, 7.0% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 4.0% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.9% of the population.

There were 11,650 households, of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.4% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.2% were non-families. 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.06.

The median age in the city was 38 years. 23.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28% were from 25 to 44; 26.6% were from 45 to 64; and 14.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 25,363 people, 9,855 households, and 6,977 families residing in the city. The population density was 967.5 PD/sqmi. There were 10,299 housing units at an average density of 392.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.73% White, 1.39% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2.60% from other races, and 1.51% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.05% of the population.

There were 9,855 households, out of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.3% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.2% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.6% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,759, and the median income for a family was $35,078. Males had a median income of $43,702 versus $26,619 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,508. 4.8% of the population and 2.9% of families were below the poverty line. Of the total population, 5.8% of those under the age of 18 and 4.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Economy
Hobart is home to a number businesses in its downtown shopping district, including the historic Art Theatre.

Hobart is also home to the super-regional Southlake Mall near the intersection of U.S. Route 30 and Interstate 65. and many surrounding retailers and restaurants, although most businesses along the south side of Hobart are required to list their addresses as Merrillville. This area was historically an unincorporated section of Ross Township prior to a 1993 annexation by the city of Hobart and is served by the Merrillville post office.

The nearest large airports serving Hobart are the Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) in Gary and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in nearby Chicago. The Hobart Sky Ranch Airport (3HO) is located 2 mi north of the city's downtown business district.

Hobart contains three major railroads: Norfolk Southern Railway, which runs through County Line Road to Liverpool Road; Chicago, Fort Wayne and Eastern Railroad, which runs through County Line Road to Wisconsin Street; and Canadian National Railway, which runs through Colorado Street and through a portion of Hobart in the southernmost part of the area known as Ainsworth.

Hobart is also home to the Indiana Botanic Gardens, which is the nation's largest and oldest retailer of herbs. The company moved to Hobart in the mid-1990s and is located off Business Route 6. Another manufacturing concern headquartered in Hobart since 1952 is Midwest Products, a manufacturer of hobby materials and radio controlled model aircraft.

Parks and recreation
Hobart is home to Lake George, a popular place for people to gather to walk along the city's waterfront. Musical entertainment can be found near the clock tower in Lakefront Park and at the Revelli Bandshell during the warm months. Fishing and boating are two popular activities at Lake George. At Festival Park, people can feed the ducks that live there. In the past, fishermen fished at Hobart's Robinson Lake. In October 2006, then-Mayor Linda Buzenic announced the "highest and best use" for Robinson Lake would be to put it up for sale, according to the Post-Tribune.

The city features 14 parks, a public 18-hole golf courses (Cressmoor Country Club having closed in 2006), and many sports fields for basketball, football, baseball, soccer, rugby, and other sports. The city recently bought an outdoor swimming pool. Hobart Nature District is located in Hobart.

The Oak Savannah rails-to-trails route cuts through the city and offers biking and hiking. The Oak Savannah trail passes by the 90 acre Hobart Prairie Grove Unit of Indiana Dunes National Park.

The Shirley Heinze Land Trust, Inc. owns other nature preserves in the city of Hobart, including a tallgrass prairie. The Cressmoor Prairie is a dedicated state nature preserve, and is the largest state-protected rare "black soil" or silt-loam prairie in Indiana.

Education
Most of the city is within the School City of Hobart, although other parts of the city are within the River Forest Community School Corporation or the Merrillville Community School District.

Hobart High School students are referred to as the "Brickies," in reference to the brickyards that were once located on city's northern side near Cressmore Prairie. The school mascot is named Yohan and bears a strong resemblance to "Boilermaker Pete" from Purdue University. Hobart High School at one time was considered a leader in music education; in the early twentieth century, its band won national Sousa band competitions under the direction of William Revelli, who later left to lead the University of Michigan band. The city is also home to Trinity Lutheran School, a pre-school through 8th grade parochial school and Montessori Academy in the Oaks.

The Merrillville section is served by John Wood Elementary School and the feeder schools in Merrillville.

The Lake County Public Library operates the Hobart Branch.

Notable people

 * Omar Apollo - singer-songwriter
 * Larry Bigbie - professional baseball player
 * Brent Dickson - Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court (1986–), Chief Justice (2012–2014)
 * Darren Elkins - professional MMA fighter
 * Brian Gallagher - president and chief executive officer of United Way Worldwide
 * Tim Gill - computer scientist and LGBT activist
 * Bob Kuechenberg - professional football player
 * Rudy Kuechenberg - professional football player
 * Dale Messick - graphic artist, creator of comic strip Brenda Starr
 * Craig Osika - professional football player, and Hobart High School football coach
 * Gary Primich - blues musician and recording artist
 * William Revelli - band director, first in Hobart and later at University of Michigan
 * Everett Robinson, minor league baseball player and manager

title: Hobart, Indiana


text:
Lake Dalecarlia, Indiana

Lake Dalecarlia is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lake County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,355 at the 2010 census. The name comes from the English name of the Dalarna region of Sweden. The community is centered on the lake of the same name, which was completed in the 1920s.

Geography
The Lake Dalecarlia community is located in southern Lake County surrounding a lake of the same name. The community is at the northern end of Cedar Creek Township and is bordered to the north by the town of Cedar Lake.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.6 km2, of which 2.9 km2 are land and 0.7 km2, or 19.27%, are water. The community's namesake lake is a reservoir on Cedar Creek, a south-flowing tributary of the Kankakee River and thus part of the Illinois River watershed.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 1,285 people, 506 households and 363 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 904.7 /sqmi. There were 571 housing units at an average density of 402.0 /sqmi. The racial make-up of the CDP was 98.21% White, 0.39% African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.16% from other races and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.33% of the population.

There were 506 households, of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.6% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present and 28.1% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.02.

22.8% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 28.5% from 45 to 64 and 13.0% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.8 males.

The median household income was $52,454 and the median family income was $54,297. Males had a median income of $44,659 and females $21,250. The per capita income was $25,068. About 1.9% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.0% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Lake Dalecarlia, Indiana


text:
Lake Station, Indiana

Lake Station is a city in Lake County, Indiana, United States. The population was 13,235 at the 2020 census.

History
Initially, the site of modern Lake Station was the starting point of two indigenous trails leading to Fort Dearborn. Later it became an early stagecoach depot stop, as the Fort Dearborn-Detroit Stagecoach Route passed through the site during the wet season. The location became known as Lake Station as far back as 1851 when it began to serve as a depot, the western terminus of the Michigan Central Railroad (on what would later become its Detroit to Chicago line). This was the first train station in Lake County. The Michigan Central Railroad built a park and railroad shops around its two-story depot. A year later, in April 1852, George Earle mapped out and platted a town of about 6500 acre on the site, continuing its name of Lake Station.

Being a bedroom community, Lake Station welcomed Abraham Lincoln to its Audubon Hotel, perhaps on more than one occasion, according to oral history. But George Pullman, who tried to negotiate for land in Lake Station for his proposed railcar company, never struck a deal and set up shop on the south side of Chicago instead. Prior to its current location in Crown Point, Indiana, the county seat was located on what is now the west end of Lake Station in a section called Liverpool, although it was a separate settlement at the time.

The name of Lake Station was officially changed to East Gary in 1908 in an attempt to lure executives from the nearby US Steel plant in Gary, Indiana into creating a suburban community. With another name change in 1977, primarily to disassociate itself from the urban decay and crime of Gary, the city reverted to its historical designation of Lake Station.

In September 2015, the mayor of Lake Station, Keith Soderquist, and his wife, Deborah Soderquist, were found guilty of conspiracy, wire fraud, and filing false income tax returns. Keith's daughter, Miranda N. Brakley (married name Barnitt), a court clerk, was found guilty of embezzlement and filing bad bankruptcy papers. Under state law, a mayor convicted of a felony forfeits his elected office. The Soderquist's served time in correctional institutions, while Ms. Brakley (Barnitt) served time in house arrest. The Soderquist's and Barnitt are still residents of Lake Station, Indiana.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Lake Station has a total area of 8.431 sqmi, of which 8.3 sqmi (or 98.45%) is land and 0.131 sqmi (or 1.55%) is water.

The city lies on the Calumet Shoreline, which is seen today as a sand ridge.

Major highways

 * Interstate 65
 * Interstate 80
 * Interstate 90
 * Interstate 94
 * U.S. Route 6
 * U.S. Route 20
 * Indiana State Road 51

Lakes and rivers

 * Grand Boulevard Lake
 * Deep River (Indiana)

Surrounding cities

 * Hobart
 * Gary
 * Portage
 * Town of New Chicago

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 12,572 people, 4,577 households, and 3,067 families residing in the city. The population density was 1514.7 PD/sqmi. There were 5,137 housing units at an average density of 618.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 79.7% White, 3.6% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 11.7% from other races, and 4.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 28.0% of the population.

There were 4,577 households, of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.4% were married couples living together, 17.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.0% were non-families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.28.

The median age in the city was 35.4 years. 26.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.2% were from 25 to 44; 26.7% were from 45 to 64; and 10.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,948 people, 5,041 households, and 3,528 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,681.0 PD/sqmi. There were 5,328 housing units at an average density of 642.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 86.23% White, 0.77% African American, 0.50% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 9.31% from other races, and 2.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 20.61% of the population.

There were 5,041 households, out of which 33.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.0% were non-families. 23.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.24.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,984, and the median income for a family was $41,454. Males had a median income of $35,761 versus $22,659 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,319. About 10.6% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.3% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Major employers include Sun Engineering, and Pro-Chem-Co. Lake Station's busiest rail line is CSX Transportation's Porter Subdivision. The Chicago, Fort Wayne and Eastern Railroad also runs through Lake Station.

The Joliet Line of the Michigan Central Railroad once ran through Lake Station; the Fairview Walkway, a rail trail, now occupies the abandoned rail line.

Arts and culture
Lake Station also plays host to some events such as the Fuzz Follies, which is a car show that takes place in Riverview Park every year since 1984. Since 2004 The Heritage Days Festival has also taken place in Riverview Park. Both events are usually in June. The city's newest event held for the first time in September 2009 is Septemberfest, which is held around Labor Day weekend.

Lake County Public Library operates the Lake Station - New Chicago Branch, which also serves New Chicago.

Parks and recreation

 * Four Winds Park
 * Columbus Park
 * Riverview Park
 * Miller Park
 * Mock Park
 * Deep River Outdoor Recreation Center
 * Johnson Park
 * Bicentennial Park
 * Warrick Park
 * Riley Park

Government
The mayor of Lake Station since January 1, 2020, is Bill Carroll.

Education
Lake Station Community Schools serves most of Lake Station. Some portions are served by River Forest Community School Corporation.

The Lake Station Community Schools district consists of two elementary schools, Virgil I. Bailey and Alexander Hamilton, and one combined junior and senior high school Thomas A. Edison Junior-Senior High School.

The River Forest Community School Corporation serves the West End of Lake Station (approximately one-third of the city). River Forest High School, River Forest Junior High School, John I. Meister Elementary School, and Henry S. Evans Elementary School are all within the city limits of Lake Station (as the result of the city's 1972 annexation of previously unincorporated parts of Hobart Township).

title: Lake Station, Indiana


text:
Lakes of the Four Seasons, Indiana

Lakes of the Four Seasons is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lake and Porter counties in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 7,033 at the 2010 census.

Geography
The county line of Porter and Lake counties runs directly through the center of the Four Seasons. While the entire community, both the Porter and Lake County sides, have Crown Point mailing addresses, the school districts attended by the children who reside within the community are separated by county. Residents on the Porter County side are considered part of the Porter Township school system, whereas those on the Lake County side are in the Crown Point school system.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.0 km2, of which 5.9 km2 are land and 1.1 km2, or 15.39%, are water. The Lakes of the Four Seasons consist of Lake Holiday, an impoundment on the East Branch of Stony Run, plus Big Bass Lake, Lake on the Green, and Trouthaven Lake. Big Bass Lake connects to Lake Holiday, which via Stony Run drains south and west to the Kankakee River, part of the Illinois River watershed. Lake on the Green has no surface outlet, while Trouthaven Lake drains northwest to the Deep River, which winds north to the Little Calumet River and Lake Michigan.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,291 people, 2,506 households, and 2,155 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,720.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,590 housing units at an average density of 966.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.06% White, 0.12% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.64% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.90% of the population.

There were 2,506 households, out of which 41.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.5% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.0% were non-families. 11.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 28.0% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $67,528, and the median income for a family was $68,903. Males had a median income of $52,222 versus $28,964 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $25,537. About 2.5% of families and 2.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.3% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lakes of the Four Seasons, Indiana


text:
Lowell, Indiana

Lowell (, locally ) is a town in West Creek and Cedar Creek townships, Lake County, Indiana, United States. The population was 10,680 at the 2020 census.

History
Lowell was platted in 1853. It was named after Lowell, Massachusetts.

The James Brannon House, Melvin A. Halsted House, Lowell Commercial Historic District, Charles E. Nichols House, and J. Claude Rumsey House are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Lowell has a total area of 5.27 sqmi, of which 5.18 sqmi (or 98.29%) is land and 0.09 sqmi (or 1.71%) is water.

Located five miles (8 km) outside of the Great Lakes Basin, Lowell sought permission to pipe in lake water to replace city water drawn from its high fluoride deep wells. However, diversion of water out of the Great Lakes requires the approval of the Great Lakes Commission, which includes representatives of all the US states and Canadian provinces that border on the lakes. Lowell's request was turned down in 1991.

Lowell lies on the Valparaiso Moraine, almost on the Kankakee Outwash Plain. The town also lies near the St. Lawrence Seaway Divide.

Climate
Lowell has a Humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa) with four distinct seasons.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 9,276 people, 3,392 households, and 2,500 families living in the town. The population density was 1790.7 PD/sqmi. There were 3,620 housing units at an average density of 698.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 95.9% White, 0.5% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.7% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.9% of the population.

There were 3,392 households, of which 39.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.3% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.3% were non-families. 21.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.16.

The median age in the town was 35.7 years. 26.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.1% were from 45 to 64; and 11.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,505 people, 2,697 households, and 2,030 families living in the town. The population density was 1,839.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,809 housing units at an average density of 688.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.30% White, 0.03% African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.12% from other races, and 0.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.53% of the population.

There were 2,697 households, out of which 39.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.2% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.7% were non families. 20.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74, and the average family size was 3.19.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $49,173, and the median income for a family was $54,797. Males had a median income of $45,023, versus $23,378 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,752. About 5.6% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.8% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

Schools

 * Lowell Senior High School
 * Lowell Middle School
 * Lake Prairie Elementary School
 * Oak Hill Elementary School
 * Three Creeks Elementary School
 * Lowell Christian Academy
 * St.Edwards Catholic School (Pre-School Only)

Events
Lowell hosts the oldest Labor Day parade in Indiana. Buckley Homestead, east of Lowell, hosts a number of events, including a World War II reenactment with authentic weapons, artillery, and tanks. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is another event that takes place in Lowell in September.

Notable people

 * Mary Emma Allison, humanitarian and librarian
 * Steve Carter, 41st Indiana Attorney General
 * Corbett Davis, quarterback and top NFL draft pick in 1938 to the Cleveland Rams
 * Amy Ruley, member of Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
 * Jo Anne Worley, actress and comedian

title: Lowell, Indiana


text:
Merrillville, Indiana

Merrillville (, locally ) is a town in Ross Township, Lake County, Indiana, United States. The population was 35,246 at the 2010 census. Merrillville is in east-central Lake County, in the Chicago metropolitan area. On January 1, 2015, Merrillville became the most populated town in Indiana, as Fishers in Hamilton County was converted from a town to a city. The town serves as a major shopping hub for Northwest Indiana.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Merrillville has a total area of 33.26 sqmi, of which 33.22 sqmi (or 99.88%) is land and 0.04 sqmi (or 0.12%) is water.

The town is centered on the intersection of U.S. Route 30 and Interstate 65.

The Lincoln Highway runs through Merrillville. The original alignment of Lincoln Highway is known as 73rd Avenue (also called Old Lincoln Highway) in Merrillville, while the current Lincoln Highway (US 30) is known as 81st Avenue. State Road 53 (Broadway) and State Road 55 (Taft Street) traverse the town from north to south.

Merrillville's asymmetric shape results in numerous boundaries with other municipalities. It is bordered by Gary and unincorporated Calumet Township, Lake County, to the north; Hobart to the northeast; Union Township, Porter County, to the east; Winfield and Crown Point to the south; Schererville to the west; and Griffith to the northwest.

History
Merrillville occupies what used to be woodland belonging to the Potawatomi Indians. In 1834, a clearing was created for ceremonial purposes and called McGwinn Village. A year later, a white man, Jeremiah Wiggins, settled in the place; McGwinn Village became Wiggins Point.

Wiggins Point became a well-known stop for wagon trains heading to Joliet, Illinois along the Sauk Trail (also called the Sac Trail), an old Indian trail. At one time, 16 trails radiated outward from Wiggins Point. In 1838, Wiggins died. Sometime afterward, local settlers renamed the place Centerville. Later still, it was renamed Merrillville after the brothers Dudley and William Merrill. Dudley Merrill operated a hotel and store in Centerville, and his son John P. Merrill was a Township Trustee.

Nearby, in the same former Potawatomi hunting grounds, other settlements had sprung up. Near Deep River creek was a settlement named Deep River; near Turkey Creek was another settlement with that creek's name. Others included Ainsworth, Lottaville, and Rexville. At one time, the post office for the area was named Lottaville.

In 1848, all of these settlements, including Merrillville (that is, the old McGwinn Village) were collected into one and called Ross Township. As time went by, bits and pieces of Ross Township were taken by Hobart and Crown Point when those towns incorporated.

In 1971, the area officially became Merrillville (which now includes the old Merrillville as well as other settlements nearby) and was incorporated as a town under Indiana law. During this time, the majority of the town's growth was due to white flight from Gary.

In 1993, Merrillville tried to annex unincorporated Winfield Township to get more land. The residents blocked Merrillville by creating the town of Winfield.

In 2009, a pedestrian bridge at Hidden Lake Park collapsed, injuring at least 25 people The catastrophe occurred around 10 PM after the annual Fourth of July fireworks display, when several dozen people attempted to cross the wood suspension bridge. Police officers stationed at either side of the bridge were unable to stop the advancing parkgoers, and with numerous people jumping up and down the 30-year-old bridge collapsed, sending somewhere around 50 people into the waters of Hidden Lake.

The Morgan-Skinner-Boyd Homestead and John Wood Old Mill are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Economy
Merrillville is a hub for retail trade in Northwest Indiana. The US 30 corridor between Taft Street and Colorado Street harbors a large concentration of big-box retailers, hotels, restaurants, and automobile dealerships.

Ameriplex at the Crossroads, an industrial and technology park, opened at Broadway between 93rd Avenue and 101st Avenue in 2005. The development is designated an Indiana Certified Technology Park and includes a business incubator and technology center operated by the Purdue Research Foundation.

Heavy industry such as steelmaking and petroleum refining, which characterizes the economy of northern Lake County, does not have a significant presence in Merrillville. The town is home to the corporate headquarters of Fortune 500 energy company NiSource, hospitality management firm White Lodging, and Centier Bank, Indiana's largest privately owned independent bank.

Merrillville's nearest commercial airports are Griffith-Merrillville Airport in Griffith and Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary.

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, there were 36,444 people and 15,176 households living in the town. The population density was 1095.7 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 38.3% White, 46.3% African American, 0.0% Native American, 0.9% Asian, and 9.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.3% of the population.

There were 15,176 households, of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.5% were married couples living together, 37.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 23.2% had a male householder with no wife present. The average family size was 3.27. The median age in the town was 39.1 years.

As of 2020, the median income for a household in the town was $62,221 while the median income for a family in the town was $84,667. About 14.5% of the population were estimated to be below the poverty line.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 35,246 people, 13,696 households, and 9,016 families living in the town. The population density was 1061.0 PD/sqmi. There were 14,842 housing units at an average density of 446.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 46.4% White, 44.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 4.6% from other races, and 3.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.9% of the population.

There were 13,696 households, of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.3% were married couples living together, 17.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.2% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.16.

The median age in the town was 36.7 years. 25.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.5% were from 45 to 64; and 13.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.0% male and 53.0% female.

As of 2010, the median income for a household in the town was $49,469 while the mean income for a household in the town was $57,728. The median income for a family was $56,911 and the mean income for a family was $65,925. The estimated per capita income for the town was $22,993. About 8.9% of families and 12.0% of the population were estimated to be below the poverty line.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 30,560 people, 11,678 households, and 8,127 families living in the town. The population density was 918.2 PD/sqmi. There were 12,303 housing units at an average density of 369.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 69.65% White, 22.86% African American, 0.33% Native American, 1.51% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 3.39% from other races, and 2.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.65% of the population.

There were 11,678 households, out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.4% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $49,545, and the median income for a family was $56,355. Males had a median income of $41,820 versus $29,005 for females. The per capita income for the town was $22,293. About 2.6% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.1% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Barons Bus Lines services Merrillville seven days per week as part of schedule 0025, westbound, with local service between Cleveland, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois.

Gary Public Transportation Corporation provides bus service along the Broadway Avenue Corridor via the Broadway Metro Express and within the US 30 retail/office corridor. The closest South Shore Line station is in downtown Gary and can be reached using the Broadway Metro Express or Barons Bus schedule 0025. The closest Amtrak station is in Dyer, Indiana. It cannot be directly reached by public transit.

Education
Public education in the town is provided by the Merrillville Community School Corporation. Andrean High School, a Roman Catholic institution operated by the Diocese of Gary, is also in Merrillville.

Lake County Public Library operates the Central Library at 1919 West 81st Avenue in Merrillville.

Notable people
• CJ Alexander, Major League Baseball player

• David Bedella, actor

• Cristal C. Brisco, lawyer

• Chris Chyung, politician

• Dan Dakich, basketball sportscaster

• Chet Dobis, politician

• Dianne Durham, gymnast

• Kenneth Grant, football player

• Kody Hoese, professional baseball player

• Tom Jelesky, National Football League player

• Brandon Jordan, football player and coach

• Ted Karras Jr., football player and coach

• Rodolfo Lozano, lawyer

• Maureen Mahoney, lawyer

• Sean Manaea, Major League Baseball pitcher

• Len Matela, professional basketball player

• Karen McDougal, model

• Mike Neal, National Football League player

• David Neville, athlete

• Craig Osika, National Football League player

• Gregg Popovich, National Basketball Association coach

• Iliana Regan, chef

• Jeff Samardzija, Major League Baseball pitcher

• Michael Tanke, soccer player and coach

• Ryan Tatusko, professional baseball pitcher

• Pete Visclosky, politician

• Eugene Wilson, National Football League player

title: Merrillville, Indiana


text:
Munster, Indiana

Munster is a suburban town in North Township, Lake County, Indiana, United States. It is in the Chicago metropolitan area, approximately 30 mi southeast of the Chicago Loop, and shares municipal boundaries with Hammond to the north, Highland to the east, Dyer and Schererville to the south, and Lansing and Lynwood directly west of the Illinois border. Its population was 23,894 at the 2020 US Census.

Geography

Munster is located at a point on an ancient shoreline of Lake Michigan (known as the Calumet Shoreline) which is today Ridge Road. This ridge runs east and west through the north part of town, hence the town's nickname "Town on the Ridge".

The town's boundaries contain three small lakes, one of which, located within Centennial Park, is marshy and undeveloped. Munster is bordered on the north by the Little Calumet River, a shallow river surrounded by a thin strip of wooded area; and on the West by the Illinois state line.

According to the 2010 census, Munster has a total area of 7.65 sqmi, of which 7.57 sqmi (or 98.95%) is land and 0.08 sqmi (or 1.05%) is water.

History
The Ibach House and Stallbohm Barn-Kaske House are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Early history
The earliest known inhabitants of the area were the Potawatomi. Although a village did not exist in what was to become Munster's town boundaries, a trail along the dry sandy ridge now known as Ridge Road was well traveled by the indigenous inhabitants. Today, Munster's downtown area, the Town Hall, Police and Fire Department headquarters, the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, and the Munster Post Office are all situated on Ridge Road.

In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the area that is today Munster was part of land claimed by France as French territory. In the 1760s the British claimed the land where the Potawatomi lived as part of the British Empire. Twenty years later George Rogers Clark overran the British in the American Revolutionary War, claiming the land for the newly independent United States of America.

In the 1850s, as the numbers of Native Americans dwindled, pioneer settlers began to inhabit the area which would become Munster to grow crops and provide dairy products to the profitable markets in Chicago.

When Jacob Munster, a young man from the Netherlands who until the 1860s spelled his surname "Monster," opened an area general store complete with a U.S. postal station on the back, the local farmers and settlers came to rely on the postal station, which soon became a United States Post Office. The post office was named Munster, as it was located in Jacob Munster's general store.

Before long more and more people moved to the "Munster" area, and in 1907 Munster was incorporated as a town, with 76 residents voting "yes" for the incorporation and 28 voting "no."

Modern times

Munster soon became a booming town that attracted many people. Munster saw difficult times through the rough years of the Great Depression. During the Cold War, Munster served as the site of the Nike-Zeus Missile defense base C-46. The site was closed in 1971 and is now under private ownership.

In September 2008, Munster's northern portions suffered flooding resulting from the impact of Hurricane Ike, which caused the Little Calumet River to overflow. A main break occurred in the levee located near the intersection of Calumet Avenue and River Drive in the northwest quadrant of the town. Munster has requested the Army Corps of Engineers to elevate the levee in low-lying areas. The levee improvements have been completed and the majority of homes destroyed have been rebuilt, in most cases, with larger, more amenity-filled homes.

The 2010 Comprehensive Plan for Munster's next twenty years includes plans for a new town center with shopping and dining to be organized around a proposed train station.

Demographics

As of 2011, the median income for a household in the town was $75,349 while the mean income for a household in the town was $97,222. The median income for a family was $95,108, and the mean income for a family is the highest in Lake County at $117,985. The estimated per capita income for the town was $36,914. About 2.3% of families and 3.1% of the population were estimated to be below the poverty line.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 23,603 people, 9,015 households, and 6,540 families residing in the town. The population density was 3118.0 PD/sqmi. There were 9,393 housing units at an average density of 1240.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 85.6% White, 3.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 5.8% Asian, 3.1% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.2% of the population.

There were 9,015 households, of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.5% were non-families. 24.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.10.

The median age in the town was 44.8 years. 23.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.1% were from 25 to 44; 30.9% were from 45 to 64; and 18.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.0% male and 52.0% female. The average was done in 1999.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 21,511 people, 8,091 households, and 6,141 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,852.8 PD/sqmi. There were 8,339 housing units at an average density of 1,105.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 92.28% White, 1.03% African American, 0.06% Native American, 4.49% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.10% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.88% of the population.

There were 8,091 households, out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them; 65.5% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.1% were non-families. 21.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $63,243, and the median income for a family was $74,255. Males had a median income of $53,387 versus $34,490 for females. The per capita income for the town was $30,952. About 2.8% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.2% of those under age 18 and 2.9% of those age 65 or over.

Political affiliation
Munster consistently leans towards the Democratic Party nationally while for municipal elections, the town leans towards the Republican Party. Federally, Munster is situated in Indiana's 1st congressional district, which is represented by Democrat Frank J. Mrvan. Munster also supports Democrats in Presidential elections; Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden both defeated Republican Donald Trump by margins as high as 50 percentage points.

Businesses and attractions

The town is home to a number of local, regional and national companies and extensive community resources. Among them are the Community Hospital, the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, The Times of Northwest Indiana newspaper, a PepsiCo bottling and distribution facility, a Whole Foods Market distribution center, the Community Veterans Memorial, the LEED-certified Centennial Park and Golf Course, Kaske House Museum at Heritage Park, Bieker Woods Nature Area, eleven miles of bike paths, an innovative Public Art and Sculpture Program, the new Munster Music Festival, the Munster Centennials Vintage Baseball Team, and the Babe Ruth Baseball.

Munster is also home to the Three Floyds Brewing Company, a microbrewery and craft beer-drinker's destination noted for its "Dark Lord Day" event, which draws 6,000 people every April.

Lake Business Center

In spring 2011, Simborg Development revitalized plans for a $60 million renovation of the 72-acre Lake Business Center site fronting Calumet Avenue that will open new commercial opportunities for the Town of Munster. This development, originally to be named Munster Town Center that would have created a mixed-use center of retail shops and restaurants, commercial offices, medical facilities as well as an extended-stay hotel, was modified to maintain the warehouse facility and maintain a high-tech image exterior for the development.

Current tenants include DaVita Dialysis, MAC Medical Supply Co. Inc., Tec Air Inc., and Community Hospital Therapy Center while Noodles & Company and Meatheads have their restaurants in a two-unit outlot building. Additional tenants include Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, as well as Starbucks and Potbelly which each have standalone restaurants just south of the Noodles & Meatheads building. A Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel anchors the north end of the development.

Centennial Village
One of Munster's newest redevelopment projects is the area immediately surrounding the former Munster Steel site, located to the north of the town's Centennial Park. The area, named "Centennial Village," will be a mixed-use transit-oriented development that will feature both retail and multi-unit residential housing once it is completed. The Calumet Avenue grade separation has been planned since the early 1940s, with Henry Ford leading the change. However, American involvement in World War II and the creation of the federal highway system stopped these plans until the present day.

The project will be completed in two phases; it is part of the larger 45th Avenue/Calumet Avenue underpass and realignment project in which Phase 1 includes extending 45th Avenue east into the Centennial Village development with two new stoplights and creating an underpass under the Canadian National railroad tracks to align with 45th at Columbia Avenue. Meanwhile, Phase 2 includes creating an underpass at Calumet Avenue. So far, Phase 1 has been completed.

Transportation
The commercial airport closest to Munster is the Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary, but most Munster residents and visitors travel from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport or the Chicago Midway International Airport. Lansing Municipal Airport, located immediately west of Munster in Lansing, Illinois, serves the area's general aviation market.

Munster lies just south of the Borman Expressway (I-80/94). Calumet Avenue is a major North-South artery in the town, and becomes U.S. Route 41 just north of the Borman. Interstate 65, the Indiana Toll Road, and U.S. Routes 12, 20, and 30 are within a 20 mi radius.

Education

The School Town of Munster is the public school system for all portions of the town. All five schools in the system are recognized as Indiana Blue Ribbon schools and have been awarded five-star ratings. Munster High School is one of several schools from Indiana on Newsweek 's 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 Top Schools list. The school is also ranked on The Washington Post 's 2011 "The High School Challenge". Additionally, Munster was cited by Neighborhood Scout for offering the best combination of public school quality and affordable neighborhoods in the Chicago Metropolitan Area.

In 1875, Munster's school board (which at the time was not officially designated School Town) operated a single three-room school house located on the corner of Calumet Avenue and Ridge Road. According to local records, enrollment did not exceed 50 students in any given year before 1920. In 1913, the school board decided to add a second school building due to increased enrollment. The new Munster school was dedicated in 1915. By the 1940s, the building had expanded to include twelve classrooms, a new gymnasium, and a 60-seat basement auditorium. The school was renamed Lanier School in 1950.

These new additions were not enough to accommodate Munster's rapidly growing population. By 1948, James B. Eads Elementary School was built on Harrison Avenue, for students residing west of Calumet Avenue. In 1952 Earnest R. Elliot Elementary School was built on White Oak Avenue. With the two new elementary schools in operation, Lanier School became a Junior High School (grades 7-9). Following graduation from grade 9, students attended high schools in either Hammond or Highland to complete grades 10-12.

A new, modern facility was planned for the junior high students in the late 1950s. Wilbur Wright Junior High opened in 1960, causing Lanier to downsize to an elementary school. Several classrooms and a resource center were added in the following years. Amid the continuing expansion of the school system, the board gave serious consideration to adding a high school. The initial proposal encompassed a spacious building designed for 1,200 students and included an athletic facility with a swimming pool. However, the cost of more than $6.2 million did not appeal to the public. In response, a modified design was submitted, and construction began in June 1965. The doors to the new high school opened to students in September 1966.

In 1969, a new elementary school was added. Frank H. Hammond boasted 25 classrooms, an auditorium, and a learning center. When the outdated Lanier school's enrollment dipped in the late 1970s, the board decided to close the facility in 1980.

Modernization

As of 2011, two of Munster's three elementary schools have since been completely rebuilt; the new buildings for James B. Eads Elementary and Earnest R. Elliot Elementary were completed in 2003 and 2006, respectively. Wilbur Wright Middle School has undergone significant expansions and renovations as well. Munster High School dedicated a state-of-the-art football, track and soccer complex in 2010, as well as a $17,000,000 Aquatic Center in January 2011. The latter facility is one of two scholastic aquatic centers in Indiana and the only one that is connected to a high school (the other is IUPUI's natatorium). In 2012, a two-story classroom addition was constructed at Munster High School to accommodate the growing student population.

The School Town of Munster implemented a curriculum/technology initiative termed 1 to 1 Technology for the 2011-2012 school year. Designed to enhance the school system's instructional technology infrastructure, the program provides leases on laptop computers to all students in grades 5-12. Initially focused on STEM fields curricula, the impact of the initiative is eventually expected to reach all subjects, and will better accommodate web-based student assessments.

Private Schools
Two private schools are located in Munster; St. Thomas More Parish added a school in 1949, available to and St. Paul's Lutheran school is located at 8601 Harrison Ave, and was founded in Hammond in 1886. The church and school moved to Munster in 1981. Both schools are available to elementary and middle school students.

 * List of schools - School Town of Munster
 * Munster High School
 * Wilbur Wright Middle School
 * Ernest R. Elliott Elementary School
 * James B. Eads Elementary School
 * Frank H. Hammond Elementary School

 * List of schools - Private/Parochial
 * St. Paul's Pre-school, Elementary, and Middle School (Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod)
 * St. Thomas More Elementary and Middle School (Catholic, Diocese of Gary)

Recreation

Munster has ten parks, three lakes, a nine-hole golf course and driving range, eleven miles (17.7 km) of bike paths, an innovative public art and sculpture program, and two recreational points of interest. Centennial Park, the newest and largest of these facilities, was built on a former landfill and opened in 2007. This award-winning park incorporates several environmentally-friendly design elements conformant to the LEED Silver guidelines. Methane gas from the landfill is captured and converted into electricity to power the park.

Centennial Park's amenities include a clubhouse with green roof and banquet facilities, The View restaurant with outdoor seating, a nine-hole (Ted Nugent of Nugent Golf in Vernon Hills, Illinois.) designed golf course and driving range, a live stage amphitheater, a lake with two bridges, three fountains, fishing opportunities, and a boardwalk, a sculpture walk (in progress), formal botanical gardens, outdoor pavilions, walking trails, access to the Pennsy Greenway, a 3-acre dog park, and soccer fields. Events held at Centennial Park include Munster Music Festival, Grape Escape Wine Festival, July 4 fireworks displays over the lake, and an outdoor movie series.

Community Park is another popular Munster park and hosts the town's annual Car and Motorcycle Show. Features of this facility include an outdoor swimming complex, a skate park, lighted tennis courts, playgrounds, baseball fields, a basketball court, a social center, and picnic areas. The park is located immediately east of the Lake County Public Library's Munster branch.

Little League Baseball was first organized in the town in 1952, and Babe Ruth Baseball was established in 1954. Munster's Babe Ruth All-Star teams have won six state championships since 1985.

 * List of parks and recreational facilities – Munster Parks & Recreation

 * Beech Park
 * Bieker Woods Nature Area
 * Bluebird Park
 * Briar Creek Park
 * Burlwood Park
 * Centennial Park
 * Cobblestones Park
 * Community Park
 * Circle Park
 * Evergreen Park
 * Frank H. Hammond Park
 * Grove Park
 * Heritage Park & Kaske House Museum
 * Military Memorial Park
 * Munster Pool
 * Rotary Park
 * Sommerset Park
 * Stewart Park
 * Sunnyside Park
 * Twin Creek Park
 * White Oak Park
 * The Veterans War Memorial

Notable people

 * Stephan Bonnar, mixed martial artist.
 * Todd Donoho, a radio and television sportscaster, who hosts the post-game show for Missouri Tigers basketball on the statewide Tiger Radio Network.
 * Nan Hayworth, former U.S. Representative for New York's 19th congressional district.
 * Sue Hendrickson, paleontologist.
 * Jack Hyles, minister and pastor of First Baptist Church of Hammond.
 * Tony Kanal, musician from band No Doubt.
 * Mark Kruzan, former Mayor of Bloomington, Indiana, State politician.
 * Jeff Lee (swimmer), a former international freestyle swimmer from the United States.
 * Joe Mansueto, founder and CEO of Morningstar, Inc.
 * Don McCune, former professional bowler, member of the PBA and USBC Halls of Fame
 * Ryan McMahen, professional soccer player.
 * Hal Morris, Major League Baseball player.
 * Mara Candelaria Reardon, former Democratic member of the Indiana House of Representatives.

 * Jerome Reppa, lawyer and politician.
 * Todd Rokita, Attorney General of Indiana; Secretary of State of Indiana; U.S. Representative.

title: Munster, Indiana


text:
New Chicago, Indiana

New Chicago is a town in Hobart Township, Lake County, Indiana, United States. The population was 2,035 at the 2010 census.

History
New Chicago was platted in 1893. A post office was opened at New Chicago in 1907, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1917.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, New Chicago has a total area of 0.67 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,035 people, 763 households, and 487 families living in the town. The population density was 3037.3 PD/sqmi. There were 866 housing units at an average density of 1292.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 81.0% White, 2.2% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 10.0% from other races, and 5.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 27.4% of the population.

There were 763 households, of which 35.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.7% were married couples living together, 17.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.2% were non-families. 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.29.

The median age in the town was 33.9 years. 27.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29% were from 25 to 44; 24.4% were from 45 to 64; and 11.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,063 people, 826 households, and 532 families living in the town. The population density was 3,071.3 PD/sqmi. There were 876 housing units at an average density of 1,304.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 87.64% White, 0.53% African American, 0.73% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 8.92% from other races, and 1.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.72% of the population.

There were 826 households, out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.7% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 29.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 11.0% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $32,759, and the median income for a family was $36,852. Males had a median income of $36,400 versus $22,045 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,342. About 10.6% of families and 14.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.9% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Residents are zoned to River Forest Community School Corporation. The district's sole comprehensive high school is River Forest High School.

Public libraries
Lake County Public Library operates the Lake Station - New Chicago Branch at 2007 Central Avenue in nearby Lake Station.

title: New Chicago, Indiana


text:
Schererville, Indiana

Schererville (, locally ) is a town in St. John Township, Lake County, Indiana, United States. The population was 29,646 at the 2020 census It is a suburb of Chicago, located 30 miles south of the city.

History
Long before Indiana became a state, long before the founding of Schererville, people called the area the "Crossroads," as several Native American trails intersected here, that later became routes for the wagons of settlers traveling west.

One of those settlers was Nicholas Scherer, who was born in 1830 at Scheuern, today part of Tholey, Saarland, in southwestern Germany, who arrived in the U.S. in 1846. When he came to this place at the southern tip of Lake Michigan in 1865, he founded the community that bears his name.

Today, trails still cross at Schererville, the modern trails of a motorized society, U.S. Highways 41 and 30. Nearby are newer trails, I-80/94 and I-65. All these are primary transcontinental routes and gives Schererville its slogan: "Crossroads of the Nation."

The town was named one of the "100 Best Places to Live in the U.S." by Money Magazine in 2007.

Schererville's former Town Council President, Perry Ferrini, died on December 13, 2009. The Town Council's new president became Jerry Tippy, and the vacant seat held by Perry was filled by Sharon Moore on January 9, 2010.

The town of Schererville celebrated its sesquicentennial in September 2016.

Geography
Schererville is located at 41.48917°N, -87.44306°W (41.489135, -87.443137) in Lake County, Indiana. Schererville is 11 miles south of the Lake Michigan shore and 2 miles east of the Indiana/Illinois state line.

Considered part of the Chicago metropolitan area and located just 30 miles from Chicago, Schererville is considered a suburb of this municipality. Many residents commute daily for school and work.

According to the 2010 census, Schererville has a total area of 14.763 sqmi, of which 14.71 sqmi (or 99.64%) is land and 0.053 sqmi (or 0.36%) is water.

One of Schererville's neighborhoods, Briar Ridge, spans both Schererville and adjacent Dyer. The ridge south of Route 30 is the Glenwood Shoreline.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 29,243 people, 11,883 households, and 7,981 families living in the town. The population density was 1988.0 PD/sqmi. There were 12,393 housing units at an average density of 842.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 86.8% White, 5.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.8% Asian, 2.9% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.6% of the population.

There were 11,883 households, of which 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.8% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.03.

The median age in the town was 40.9 years. 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.9% were from 25 to 44; 30.3% were from 45 to 64; and 14% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

As of 2010, the median income for a household in the town was $66,160 while the mean income for a household in the town was $77,738. The median income for a family was $84,507 and the mean income for a family was $92,404. The estimated per capita income for the town was $31,983. About 4.3% of families and 7.1% of the population were estimated to be below the poverty line.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 24,851 people, 9,660 households, and 6,829 families living in the town. The population density was 1,825.9 PD/sqmi. There were 10,006 housing units at an average density of 735.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 91.45% White, 2.14% African American, 0.11% Native American, 2.56% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.03% from other races, and 1.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.34% of the population.

There were 9,660 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.0% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.3% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $59,243, and the median income for a family was $70,474. Males had a median income of $50,732 versus $30,745 for females. The per capita income for the town was $28,528. About 1.4% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Schererville is served by the Lake Central School Corporation, which also services the adjacent town of Dyer as well as most of St. John and a section of Griffith.

List of schools - Lake Central School Corporation:
 * Lake Central High School (St. John)
 * Grimmer Middle School
 * Kahler Middle School (Dyer)
 * Clark Middle School (St. John)
 * Peifer Elementary
 * Bibich Elementary (Dyer)
 * Kolling Elementary (St. John)
 * Homan Elementary
 * Protsman Elementary (Dyer)
 * Watson Elementary
 * St. Michael School

Private schools in the town include St. Michael Catholic School, a Roman Catholic school run by the Diocese of Gary and the Forest Ridge Academy. The campus of Hammond Baptist Schools, affiliated with the First Baptist Church of Hammond, is also located in Schererville. Other private schools Schererville residents attend include Andrean High School (Merrillville), Bishop Noll Institute (Hammond), St. John Evangelist School (St. John), Illiana Christian High School (Dyer), Marian Catholic High School (Chicago Heights, IL), and Mount Carmel High School (Chicago, IL)

Public libraries
Lake County Public Library operates the Dyer-Schererville Branch, which also serves Dyer, at 1001 West Lincoln Highway in Schererville.

Newspaper
Schererville is served by The Times of Northwest Indiana, and The Post-Tribune, which is owned by the Chicago Tribune.

Recreational sports
The Schererville Soccer Club provides a soccer environment for boys and girls ages 4–17 (U6 through REC Plus.)

There is also Tri-Town Football for ages going all the way to 15 or 16 years of age.

Transportation
Schererville residents and visitors fly via Chicago's O'Hare International or Midway.

The Borman Expressway (I-80/94/US 6), the Indiana Toll Road, Interstate 65, US 12 and US 20 are within a 25 mi radius of Schererville.

Commuters to nearby Chicago rely on local South Shore Line with train service from Millennium Station in Chicago to the South Bend International Airport in South Bend, IN. In 2014 an extensive expansion and improvement project was started to improve reliability, frequency and efficiency for daily commuters. Completion of this upgraded service is expected in 2024.

Nickname
The town's nickname, "The Crossroads of America," stems from the fact that U.S. Route 41, (stemming from Upper Peninsula Michigan to Miami, Florida) U.S. Route 30, (stemming from Atlantic City, New Jersey to Astoria, Oregon) and the old Lincoln Highway (the east end starting in Times Square and the west end starting in Lincoln Park in San Francisco, CA) intersect in Schererville.

Notable residents

 * Tyler Wideman (born 1995), American basketball player in the Israeli National League

title: Schererville, Indiana


text:
Schneider, Indiana

Schneider is a town in West Creek Township, Lake County, Indiana, United States. The population was 277 at the 2010 census. It is the smallest incorporated town in Lake County by population. It sits in the Kankakee River Valley.

History
The Schneider post office opened in 1902.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Schneider has a total area of 0.86 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 277 people, 98 households, and 72 families living in the town. The population density was 322.1 PD/sqmi. There were 113 housing units at an average density of 131.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.1% White, 1.1% Native American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

There were 98 households, of which 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.5% were non-families. 24.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.26.

The median age in the town was 33.5 years. 29.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.4% were from 25 to 44; 25.3% were from 45 to 64; and 10.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.6% male and 48.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 317 people, 113 households, and 84 families living in the town. The population density was 361.0 PD/sqmi. There were 125 housing units at an average density of 142.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.11% White, 0.32% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.32% Pacific Islander, and 0.95% from two or more races. 0.63% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 113 households, out of which 38.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.5% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% were non-families. 20.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79, and the average family size was 3.21.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 30.0% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 19.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $46,339, and the median income for a family was $46,932. Males had a median income of $41,250, versus $23,125 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,463. 5.9% of the population and 4.3% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 4.9% of those under the age of 18 and 5.7% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Education
Schneider is served by the Tri-Creek School Corporation which includes Lowell High School.

title: Schneider, Indiana


text:
St. John, Indiana

St. John or Saint John is a town in Lake County, Indiana, United States. The town of St. John has homes in St. John Township, Hanover Township, and Center Township. St. John was founded in 1837. The population was 14,850 at the 2010 census. In 2009, St. John ranked 48th among CNN's top 100 places to live in the United States. In 2014, St. John was ranked as the 4th safest place in Indiana by Movoto Real Estate.

History
The St. John post office was established in 1846. The community took its name from Saint Johns Church. The Church was the first church in Lake County and was founded by German immigrant John Hack.

St. John is home to the nationally known Shrine of Christ’s Passion, opened in 2008. An interactive display of the Passion of Christ, it contains 40 life-size statues depicting the time from the Agony in the Garden all the way to the Resurrection. It has attracted visitors from all 50 US states and more than 40 countries.

The Francis P. Keilman House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, St. John has a total area of 11.481 sqmi, of which 11.39 sqmi (or 99.21%) is land and 0.091 sqmi (or 0.79%) is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 14,850 people, 5,047 households, and 4,225 families living in the town. The population density was 1303.8 PD/sqmi. There were 5,201 housing units at an average density of 456.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 93.5% White, 1.3% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.4% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.2% of the population.

There were 5,047 households, of which 40.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.5% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 16.3% were non-families. 13.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 3.25.

The median age in the town was 40.2 years. 27.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.6% were from 25 to 44; 31.2% were from 45 to 64; and 11.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,382 people, 2,800 households, and 2,441 families living in the town. The population density was 1,246.6 PD/sqmi. There were 2,847 housing units at an average density of 423.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 91.55% White, 0.13% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.75% from other races, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.20% of the population.

There were 2,800 households, out of which 43.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 79.8% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.8% were non-families. 11.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 3.24.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.4% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $71,378, and the median income for a family was $75,231. Males had a median income of $55,554 versus $30,603 for females. The per capita income for the town was $25,106. About 1.1% of families and 1.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.9% of those under age 18 and 2.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
St. John is served mostly by the Lake Central School Corporation (north of 101st Ave and west of Cline Ave), the Hanover Community School Corporation (south of 101st Ave and west of Cline Ave), and the Crown Point Community School Corporation (south of 101st Ave and east of Cline Ave). Three of the ten Lake Central schools are located in Saint John. These include:
 * Lake Central High School
 * Kolling Elementary School
 * Clark Middle School

In addition to public schools, the community is home to a variety of private schools including St. John Evangelist School, a Roman Catholic School serving grades K-8 and Crown Point Christian School, an evangelical school headed by a parent-owned association. Alongside Crown Point Christian School, Illiana Christian High School is an evangelical high school in the town. Many other residents attend for high school studies: Andrean High School (Merrillville), Bishop Noll Institute (Hammond), Marian Catholic High School (Chicago Heights, IL) and Mount Carmel High School (Chicago, IL).

Notable residents
John Kass, a columnist and radio broadcaster who comments on Chicago and Illinois politics, lives in Saint John.

title: St. John, Indiana


text:
Whiting, Indiana

Whiting is a city located in the Chicago Metropolitan Area in Lake County, Indiana, which was founded in 1889. The city is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. It is roughly 16 miles from the Chicago Loop and two miles from Chicago's South Side. Whiting is home to Whiting Refinery, the largest oil refinery in the Midwest. The population was 4,559 at the 2020 census.

History
A post office was first established at Whiting in 1871. Whiting was incorporated as a town in 1895. It was named after a trainman who was killed in a crash there. Whiting was incorporated as a city in 1903.

The Hoosier Theater Building, Henry and Caroline Schrage House, and Whiting Memorial Community House are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Whiting has a total area of 3.229 sqmi, of which 1.8 sqmi (or 55.74%) is land and 1.429 sqmi (or 44.26%) is water.

The Whiting post office (46394) serves not only the city of Whiting, but also the adjacent Hammond neighborhood of Robertsdale, immediately to the west. Addresses in this Hammond neighborhood show “Whiting, Indiana.” While not legally a part of the city of Whiting, locally the area has long been informally considered to be a culturally integrated part of Whiting. References to Whiting businesses or residents often include those technically from Hammond's Robertsdale.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,997 people, 1,899 households, and 1,210 families residing in the city. The population density was 2776.1 PD/sqmi. There were 2,197 housing units at an average density of 1220.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 76.3% White, 3.5% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 15.7% from other races, and 3.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 40.7% of the population.

There were 1,899 households, of which 37.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.1% were married couples living together, 18.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.3% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.32.

The median age in the city was 34.4 years. 26.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.3% were from 25 to 44; 24.7% were from 45 to 64; and 11.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

Parks
Whiting is home to five parks. Whiting Park, located on the Lake Michigan shoreline, is the most well known. It is a popular picnic spot for residents of Lake County, the South Side of Chicago, and Southland. Whihala Beach is located next to Whiting Park between Whiting and neighboring Hammond.

Education
School City of Whiting serves all of Whiting. Whiting High School is the sole public high school serving Whiting.

The city is also home to a historic Carnegie Library, built in 1905. Whiting Public Library is located at 1735 Oliver Street. Calumet College of St. Joseph is a private college affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church through the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Its main campus is in Whiting, Indiana, with additional campuses located in Chicago, Illinois, and Merrillville, Indiana. The college was founded in 1951 as an extension of the now defunct Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana and currently enrolls 1,262 students.

Transportation
Amtrak's Wolverine line stops at Hammond–Whiting station in nearby Hammond.

Airports serving Whiting are Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, and Gary/Chicago International Airport located in Gary, Indiana.

Notes of interest
Pierogi Fest is held each year on 119th Street in downtown Whiting to honor the venerable pierogi dumpling. Spanning three days on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the last full weekend of July, the event draws in crowds from around the Calumet Region with guests coming from all over the globe.

The city was featured in an episode of MTV's High School Stories.

Scenes from the movie Rudy, starring Sean Astin, as well as the 1981 drama Four Friends, were shot in Whiting.

Standard Oil of Indiana, later Amoco, was founded and headquartered here.

The Mascot Hall of Fame, honoring costumed characters from college and professional sports, is located in Whiting.

Notable people

 * George Buksar, football player
 * George Burman, football player
 * William Merriam Burton, worked at the Standard Oil refinery in Whiting; became president of Standard Oil
 * Mary-Lou Daniels, junior world champion tennis player
 * Richard Dufallo, clarinetist, author, and conductor
 * John M. Ford, science fiction and fantasy writer, game designer, and poet; raised in Whiting
 * Joe Kopcha, football player
 * Steve Kraly, baseball player
 * Ferid Murad, co-recipient of 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
 * James J. Nejdl, State Senator and pioneer of Indiana Old-Age Pension Legislation. Former City council member, postmaster general, school board and public work board member.
 * Al Pilarcik, baseball player
 * Patrick Lucien Price, video game designer and editor; worked on Dungeons & Dragons game
 * Irene Purcell, actress
 * Joe Sotak, basketball player
 * David Wagoner, poet

title: Whiting, Indiana


text:
Winfield, Indiana

Winfield is a town in Winfield Township, Lake County, Indiana. The population was 2,298 at the time of the 2000 census, 4,383 in 2010, and 5,987 in 2019. The town was incorporated in 1993 in order to keep the residents from being annexed by other neighboring communities. Prior to that time it had been part of Winfield Township as an unincorporated town. Winfield is named for General Winfield Scott. The town is served by the Crown Point post office and addresses in Winfield share the Crown Point ZIP code.

In 2014 Winfield formed a Marshal department for public safety and law enforcement duties, prior to that time police protection services were provided by the Lake County Sheriff's Department.

Geography
According to the 2020 census, Winfield has a total area of 12.046 sqmi, of which 11.98 sqmi (or 99.45%) is land and 0.066 sqmi (or 0.55%) is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,383 people, 1,427 households, and 1,144 families living in the town. The population density was 365.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,511 housing units at an average density of 126.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 88.5% White, 3.7% African American, 0.4% Native American, 3.5% Asian, 2.5% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.9% of the population.

There were 1,427 households, of which 44.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.7% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 19.8% were non-families. 16.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.00 and the average family size was 3.39.

The median age in the town was 38.7 years. 29% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.9% were from 25 to 44; 26.1% were from 45 to 64; and 13% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.7% male and 51.3% female. The median income for a household in the town was $65,641, and the median income for a family was $70,489. Males had a median income of $52,143 versus $28,516 for females. The per capita income for the town was $24,765. About 0.9% of families and 2.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.4% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,298 people, 692 households, and 581 families living in the town. The population density was 186.9 PD/sqmi. There were 748 housing units at an average density of 60.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 95.13% White, 0.35% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 1.44% from other races, and 2.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.26% of the population.

There were 692 households, out of which 46.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 77.5% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.0% were non-families. 12.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.08 and the average family size was 3.40.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.7% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 33.7% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.8 males.

Education
Winfield schools are actually a part of the Crown Point Community School Corporation. Elementary grades are split between Winfield Elementary School (for K-5) and Jerry Ross Elementary School (K-5), both located in Winfield. Middle school students go over to Crown Point and attend either Colonel John Wheeler Middle School or Robert A. Taft Middle School. Students attend nearby Crown Point High School. Winfield has a public library, a branch of the Crown Point Community Public Library.

title: Winfield, Indiana


text:
Kingsbury, Indiana

Kingsbury is a town in Washington Township, LaPorte County, Indiana, just northwest of the intersection of U.S. Route 35 and U.S. Route 6. The town was founded in 1835 and incorporated on March 3, 1941. During 1940 and 1941, the Kingsbury Ordnance Plant was built for use during World War II; the plant briefly reopened during the Korean War before closing permanently, and parts are now the Kingsbury Fish and Wildlife Area and the Kingsbury Industrial Park. Kingsford Heights was built as its housing. The population was 242 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Michigan City, Indiana-La Porte, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town has its own fire department, KVFD (Kingsbury Volunteer Fire Department), and a Greek revival style First Baptist church built in 1851 with its own graveyard and Winchell Cemetery.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Kingsbury has a total area of 0.57 sqmi, all land.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 229 people, 90 households, and 68 families living in the town. The population density was 391.8 PD/sqmi. There were 94 housing units at an average density of 160.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 99.56% White and 0.44% Native American.

There were 90 households, out of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.2% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.4% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $50,000, and the median income for a family was $53,438. Males had a median income of $40,417 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,096. About 4.6% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.9% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 242 people, 91 households, and 69 families living in the town. The population density was 424.6 PD/sqmi. There were 96 housing units at an average density of 168.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.1% White, 0.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, and 2.1% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.4% of the population.

There were 91 households, of which 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.7% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 24.2% were non-families. 19.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.06.

The median age in the town was 39.8 years. 25.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.4% were from 25 to 44; 22.7% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.6% male and 50.4% female.

title: Kingsbury, Indiana


text:
Kingsford Heights, Indiana

Kingsford Heights is a town in Union Township, LaPorte County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,335 at the 2020 census. It is included in the Michigan City, Indiana-La Porte, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area. Also known as "Victory City," the town was built by the United States government for workers that worked in the Kingsbury Ordnance Plant, an ammunitions plant that served the US during World War II and later the Korean War.

History
During World War I, the U.S. east coast munitions plants faced devastating accidents and sabotage, prompting grave concerns among military planners in the late 1930s. To mitigate these risks and expand output, establishing inland facilities became a priority. In line with this strategy, the Kingsbury Ordnance Plant was established in 1940, playing a crucial role in the effort.

One of the primary challenges was accommodating the anticipated 10,000 workers and their families, considering LaPorte County's total population was only 16,000 in 1940. Federal planners responded by creating an entire village near the plant, originally named Victory City, which later became Kingsford Heights in 1942.

The original plans for Kingsford Heights included 3000 homes, along with several businesses, civic buildings, schools, a community center, and a park. However, with the conclusion of World War II and soon after, the Korean War, the development of Kingsford Heights ceased as the ordnance plant closed, and many workers relocated for new job opportunities.

Despite the halt in development, the remaining residents purchased the land from the government and incorporated the town to sustain local services. They also opted to rename the town from Victory City to Kingsford Heights.

Kingsford Heights bears resemblance to other Federal projects like Penderlea Homesteads in North Carolina and to a lesser degree, Greenbelt, Maryland; Greendale, Wisconsin; and Greenhills, Ohio. While these projects often featured multi-family units, Kingsford Heights primarily consisted of single houses. The planning aspect of Kingsford Heights remains highly significant, reflected in the inclusion of the entire community within its boundary, even encompassing lots without houses.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Kingsford Heights has a total area of 0.94 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,435 people, 509 households, and 374 families living in the town. The population density was 1526.6 PD/sqmi. There were 548 housing units at an average density of 583.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 86.3% White, 8.1% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 3.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.0% of the population.

There were 509 households, of which 42.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.0% were married couples living together, 21.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.5% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 3.26.

The median age in the town was 33 years. 30.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.9% were from 25 to 44; 24.1% were from 45 to 64; and 10.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.3% male and 52.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,453 people, 495 households, and 388 families living in the town. The population density was 1,543.7 PD/sqmi. There were 530 housing units at an average density of 563.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 86.03% White, 9.70% African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 0.34% Pacific Islander, 0.69% from other races, and 3.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.79% of the population.

There were 495 households, out of which 42.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 18.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.6% were non-families. 18.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 3.30.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 32.8% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 8.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $32,169, and the median income for a family was $34,000. Males had a median income of $31,065 versus $21,477 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,961. About 11.4% of families and 13.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.4% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Kingsford Heights has an elementary school, Kingsford Heights Elementary School, a member of the La Porte Community School Corporation. The town lies inside 3 school districts, giving families the option to enroll students in LaPorte Community School Corporation, Oregon-Davis Community School Corporation, or South Central Community Schools. Kingsford Heights also has a public library, a branch of the LaPorte County Public Library.

title: Kingsford Heights, Indiana


text:
La Crosse, Indiana

La Crosse is a town in LaPorte County, Indiana, United States. The population was 551 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Michigan City, Indiana-La Porte, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
La Crosse is derived from the French meaning "the crossing", and it was so named from its location at the junction or crossing of five railroads. The five railroads were:
 * Monon Railroad
 * Chicago and Indiana Coal Railway (later the Chicago and Eastern Illinois and the Chicago, Attica and Southern)
 * Chicago and West Michigan Railway (later the Pere Marquette)
 * Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad (later the Pennsylvania Railroad)
 * Chicago, Cincinnati and Louisville Railroad (later the C&O)

Since 2004, La Crosse has been the headquarters of the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad, which owns portions of former C&O and Pere Marquette trackage.

The La Crosse post office opened in 1921.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, La Crosse has a total area of 0.51 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 551 people, 227 households, and 157 families living in the town. The population density was 1039.6 PD/sqmi. There were 243 housing units at an average density of 458.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 99.5% White, 0.2% African American, and 0.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 227 households, of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.8% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the town was 36.4 years. 22.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.8% were from 25 to 44; 30% were from 45 to 64; and 10.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 561 people, 221 households, and 152 families living in the town. The population density was 1,040.0 PD/sqmi. There were 234 housing units at an average density of 433.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.86% White, 0.18% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.18% Pacific Islander, and 0.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.50% of the population.

There were 221 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.2% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $36,667, and the median income for a family was $50,278. Males had a median income of $34,583 versus $21,513 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,962. None of the families and 1.5% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 2.4% of those over 64.

Education
The town has a lending library, the La Crosse Public Library.

title: La Crosse, Indiana