The vision of Gary, Indiana was conceptualized and manifested at the turn of the 20th Century by influential business moguls J.P. Morgan, Charles Schwab, Andrew Carnegie, and Elbert Gary in a boardroom in New York City.
Their objective? Building a centrally located steel conglomerate and city with access to fresh water, rail, and proximity to Chicago.
Gary is also strategically located within 100 miles of prestigious institutions like Notre Dame, Purdue, University of Chicago, and Northwestern.
Established in 1906, Gary rapidly grew into a city of greater than 100,000 people by 1930, becoming the nation's youngest major city! Considering the astounding growth, Gary earned the moniker, "The Magic City".
Gary's original plat was modeled after Manhattan, its cardinal thoroughfares were named Broadway Avenue (North-South) and 5th Avenue (East-West) the intersection of these thoroughfares marks the epicenter of our Downtown.
By the 1950s, Gary grew to become Indiana's 2nd largest city; Whose influence served as a powerhouse to the State’s economy and tax base, 'The Center of Industry'.
Despite its current real and perceived challenges, Gary's original ingredients for success remain intact even after 114 years other assets developed overtime include an international airport and coast to coast interstate highways corridors. We are confidently aware that we still have the magic and potential to serve as an economic powerhouse for the Nation.
Let's celebrate Gary's Boom Town history and it's potential for a bright and booming future!
If you would like to participate in Gary's redevelopment journey, email Charris@gary.gov to learn more.