Harbor Country® - Area History - Michigan Vacations

Area History

The Gateway Arch over US 12 at the outskirts of New Buffalo. It was the first Michigan landmark seen by visitors entering the southwest route

Geographic Region
Harbor Country® is located at the Southwest corner of Berrien County, which is in the Southwest corner of Michigan. This is a trademarked geographic region limited to the eight lakeshore communities and villages of Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer, and slightly inland, Three Oaks. Beginning at the Michigan state line, these tightly knit communities encompass a stretch of about 15 miles north along lake Michigan and 6 miles inland. To see the regional map, Click Here.

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 Pottawatomis gathered their families and possessions and moved on to a new home in the Kansas plains.

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 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 - fed by nearby Chicago's growth and insatiable appetite for lumber in its early infancy and then in rebuilding after the great Chicago fire.



New Buffalo Businessmen's Association

This 1927 photo of the New Buffalo Business Men's Association gives testimony to the fact New Buffalo was a thriving community, spurred by the Pere Marquette Railroad and its Roundhouse and Railroad Hotel south of town.

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.



Golfmore Hotel Circa 1922

Historical Renaissance

In the last decade and a half, Harbor Country has experienced a renaissance of its old resorts and buildings that once dotted the lakeshore landscape in abundant numbers. Rather than bulldoze the last remaining vestiges of the past, these historical treasures are being lovingly resurrected to their former glory.

The local residents are tenacious about their much coveted harbor and country 'green space' and have managed to keep major development and urban sprawl out of the area. 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 Indiana and nearby Chicago area, as well as known visitors from across the states and abroad that plan their Michigan vacations for this unique destination.

For more about the founding of Harbor Country and its legacy, Click Here

Area Attractions

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