The city of South Bend is located in Indiana, USA and is the county seat of St. Joseph County. The city was named South Bend because of its location on St. Joseph River's southernmost bend. The population of the city is about 101,168 whilst the population of its Metropolitan Statistical Area is about 316,663. The Combined Statistical Area population is around 544,580. The city of South Bend is considered the economical center of the Michiana Region and is the 4th largest city in Indiana. Notre Dame, Indiana is situated just to the of the city and hosts the University of Notre Dame.
In the year 1865, South Bend City was incorporated as a city and after that developed as a very industrialized economy. This was mostly because of certain pioneering companies such as the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company. During the 19th century, the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company was the largest manufacturer of wagons and was one of the only companies that were able to successful transition from making wagons to manufacturing automobiles. They had a big role on the economy of the city until they were shut down in 1963. Other significant businesses which played a role on the development of South Bend consist of Oliver Corporation, the Birdsell manufacturing Company, the Bendix Corporation, the Singer Sewing Machine Company, Honeywell, and the South Bend Toy Company.
The economy of South Bend is somewhat diverse with much in the fields of education, wholesale and retail trade, healthcare, and government. The city's largest employer is the city of Notre Dame. Therefore, education has a significant effect on South Bend's economy. Local companies have partnered along with the university to further research and development on several projects. The 2nd biggest employer within South Bend is the Memorial Health System. Some other companies that are medical-related are located within South Bend.
Manufacturing is another city industry which has played a significant role in the economy. Amongst the numerous manufacturing sectors within the city includes transportation equipment, non-electrical machinery, rubber products, and plastic products. AM General, the corporation which produces special purpose and Hummer military vehicles, has its head office within South Bend. It is among the largest employers in the city.
During the year 1842, the University of Notre Dame was established by Very Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C and six Catholic brothers. Since then, the university has become an intrinsic part of culture and economy of the city.
The Studebaker National Museum presents over 114 years of automotive history. The collection likewise showcases all sorts of Studebaker products. These products range from the early Conestoga Wagon all the way to the very last automobile that the company was able to produce. During the year 1922, the Morris Performing Arts Center was opened. It has recently been renovated and is presently home to the Broadway Theatre League as well as the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. The South Bend Regional Museum of Art is situated downtown in Century Center. It was founded in the year 1996 and is home to more than 850 pieces of work from an assortment of regional artists.