Geographic
Region
Harbor Country®
is located at the
Southwestern most tip of Michigan, and is limited to the
lakeshore communities and villages of Michiana, Grand Beach,
New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer, and
slightly inland, Three Oaks. Starting at the Indiana/Michigan
state line, these communities are tightly knit, and encompass
a stretch of about 15 miles to the north and 6 miles inland
The term Harbor Country®.
is a registered trademark owned by the the Harbor Country
Chamber of Commerce, which servers these eight lakeshore
communities. Contrary to some inaccurate media reports
and public misinformation, Harbor Country does not include
any part of Indiana, nor does it extend as far north as
Bridgman, Steventsville, Baroda, St. Joseph, South Haven,
or as far east to Niles or Buchanan. For an accurate
account of the Harbor Country region, history and legacy,
go to the Official Harbor Country site: harborcountry.org
A Rich History
The area's first known residents, the Miami Indians were
challenged for territory by the Iroquois of New York. Soon
the Iroquois lost interest in the area and began returning
to their original homeland. By 1700 the Pottawatomi Indians
migrated from Wisconsin, assuming lands from what is now
Chicago and as far north as Grand Rapids. Over time French
fur traders infiltrated the area, as their territories were
becoming increasingly diminished through treaties. Then
in 1838 the Pottawatomi gathered their families and possessions
and moved on to a new home in the Kansas plains.
The Early Settlements.
Travel increased with the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825.
Soon stage coach routes were carved out of the wilderness,
linking the great cities of Detroit and Chicago, thus opening
Harbor Country to growth and recognition along the trade
route. Business moguls from as far away as New York, saw
the the potential for the vast dense forests. Saw mills
sprang up and great ships 100 feet or more long were being
constructed on the beaches, while numerous piers were built
to service the booming logging industry that quickly dominated
the region. Other industries soon developed, a |
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broom
and tool factory, and brick kiln were also supplying materials
destined for the great cities serviced by Lake Michigan.
As the forests were depleted and logging came to an end,
the open spaces that were created were quickly transformed
to farm fields that gave birth to prosperous produce markets.
Famous Resorts.
The turn of the century witnessed another phase in Harbor
Country's growth. With improved roads and a railroad, the
means by which goods could be delivered also brought in
visitors who established the small colonies along the lake
into bustling towns. In the 1920's the area soon became
recognized as a great tourist Mecca, as a number of hotels
and resorts were built. The Golfmore Hotel, with an impressive
175 rooms, hosting up to 500 guests, made its debut in 1921.
Dominating the sandy horizon at Grand Beach, it's fame and
glory was short-lived when it was lost in a spectacular
blaze on November 19, 1939. Some other notable structures
still remain: The Gordon Beach Inn, The Lakeside Inn, and
the Pebble House. Miller's Country House in Union Pier,
now an upscale cuisine restaurant & lounge was formerly
the Prussa family resort. Today Harbor Country®
remains a quaint collection of towns that host travelers
and year-round residents The 'Harbor' in New Buffalo was
dredged in the early 70's to allow large vessels, then developed
into what is now one of the largest marinas in the region.
The
local residents are tenacious about their much coveted 'green
space' and have managed to keep development and urban sprawl
out of the area, a true "harbor" and "country"
- no malls, no theme parks, clutter and noise. Just the
quiet spaces for those who want a peaceful break from the
noise and clutter. This has allowed the these small communities
to remain quaint and rural in their make-up and culture,
which is one of the main attraction points for commuting
getaway visitors from nearby Indiana and Chicago area, as
well as known visitors from across the states and abroad. |