Area History
This is the true story of the sleepy once forgotten region known as Harbor Country that survived the previous century of logging and colonization, then in later decades resisted the onslaught of urban sprawl and development.
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.
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 stagecoach 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.
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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.
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.
In the late 1970's, local community leaders formed the "Harbor Country Council" as a research panel to establish recognition for eight southwest Michigan communities closely huddled near the shores of Lake Michigan. This council examined the richness of the area's heritage, it's natural resources and peaceful setting as positive factors in re-igniting interest in the area that was previously experienced in the early 1920's and 30's.
Harbor and Country
Once established as the area’s authority and driving force, the Chamber eventually sought for and was granted exclusive rights to Harbor Country Council member Dick Downing (originally a realtor from Chicago) was the person credited for coming up with the name “Harbor Country” to represent the area’s scenic ‘harbor’, and the bountifully lush ‘country’ landscapes filling the spaces between the lakeshore towns and inland to Three Oaks. Local business owners Nadra Kissman and Larry Bubb are credited as the area co-founders in establishing Harbor Country as a recognized geographic region.Therefore, contrary to some incorrect public perceptions it's not "Harbor Country" (with emphasis on Harbor, as in a 'country of harbors') but rather Harbor Country, equally crediting the one harbor in New Buffalo, and the countrysides between the lakeshore and Three Oaks.
The Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce is formed
The Harbor Country Council that laid the foundation for formal State recognition when the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce in New Buffalo, MI was formed in 1981. In the years that followed, public relations efforts were initiated to invite visitors into the region. Soon, a resurgence of getaway visitors fell in love with this quiet oasis just a 70 minute drive away from Chicago. By the mid 80's, the media began to pick up on this area becoming known as the 'Hamptons of the Midwest'. Large full page spreads in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, The New York Times, and Midwest Living began describing this unique getaway for those looking to find some solace from their hectic lives.
Harbor Country® is a Federally Registered Trademark
Once established as the area’s authority and driving force, the Chamber eventually sought for and was granted exclusive rights to the name by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as Harbor Country® - a federally registered trademark
Today a good online resource of historical information is www.unionpierscrapbook.com
