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Harbor Country®
Geographical Region, History, And Points of Interest
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
 

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.


Used with permission - Harbor Country® is a Registered Servicemark of the
Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved

.
Information on Area Attractions

The Official Harbor Country® Site
   
 
 
Union Pier Summer House 9663 Berrien Street, Union Pier Michigan 49129 - 616-395-1525
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