South Bend is located within Indiana State, United States and is the county seat of St. Joseph County. The city was named South Bend due to its location on St. Joseph River's southernmost bend. The population of South Bend City is about 101,168 whilst the population of its Metropolitan Statistical Area is about 316,663. The population of the Combined Statistical area is around 544,580. The city is considered Michiana Region's economical center and is the 4th biggest city in Indiana. Notre Dame, Indiana is located just to the of the city and hosts the University of Notre Dame.
During 1865, the city of South Bend was incorporated as a city and afterward developed as a highly industrialized economy. This was mainly because of certain pioneering companies such as the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company. During the 19th century, the largest maker of wagons was the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company and was one of the only businesses which were able to successful transition from making wagons to producing cars. They had a huge role on South Bends economy until they were closed during 1963. Other notable companies which played a part on the growth of South Bend consist of the Birdsell Manufacturing Company, Oliver Corporation, the Bendix Corporation, the Singer Sewing Machine Company, the South Bend Toy Company and Honeywell.
The economy of the city is rather diverse with much in the areas of wholesale and retail trade, education, healthcare, and government. South Bend's largest employer is the city of Notre Dame. Therefore, education has a considerable effect on South Bend's economy. Local companies have partnered along with the university to further research and development on numerous projects. The 2nd largest employer in South Bend is the Memorial Health System. Several other medical related companies are situated in the city of South Bend.
One more industry that plays a large role within the economy is manufacturing. Transportation equipment, non-electrical machinery, rubber products, and plastic products are just some of the manufacturing sectors. AM General, the corporation which makes Hummer military and special purpose vehicles, has its head office within South Bend. It is among the biggest employers within South Bend.
Very Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C and six Catholic brothers founded the University of Notre Dame in the year 1842. Ever since then, the university has become an essential part of South Bend's culture and economy.
The Studebaker National Museum features more than 114 years of automotive history. The collection likewise showcases all kinds of Studebaker products. These products range from the early Conestoga Wagon all the way to the very last automobile which the company was able to produce. During the year 1922, the Morris Performing Arts Center was opened. It has just been renovated and is presently home to the South Bend Symphony Orchestra as well as the Broadway Theatre League. The South Bend Regional Museum of Art is situated downtown within Century Center. It was founded during 1996 and is home to more than 850 pieces of work from various regional artists.