Introduction to Hammond, Indiana
Hammond, Indiana, in Lake county, is 20 miles S of Chicago, Illinois. Hammond is located in Northwest Indiana and is included in the Chicago metropolitan area. It's bordered to the north by Lake Michigan and to the south by the Little Calumet River. The Chicago loop is approximately a half an hour away from Hammond.
The area is home to numerous railroad and trucking companies. A large number of products including steel, petroleum products, chemicals, corn goods, soap and other items are manufactured in the city. Hammond is a major healthcare center for Northwest Indiana.
History
The first settlements were established in 1847 near the southern portion of Lake Michigan. The residents were primarily German farmers. The city was originally named Hohman. 1869 marked the beginning of the industrialization of the city. A butcher from Detroit named George H. Hammond built a slaughterhouse which was the city's first notable business. The town was renamed in tribute to him. In 1884 the city was incorporated.
Attractions
- Festival of the Lakes.
- The John Dillinger Museum features exhibits of the famous criminal.
- Historic homes.
- The Woodmar Shopping Mall is a popular destination.
- Venetian Night and Fireworks event occurs annually.
- The International Cultural Festival showcases the city's diverse ethnic communities.
- The Little Red Schoolhouse is an historic structure.
Activities
Residents and visitors enjoy recreational activities at Lake Michigan and Wolf and George lakes. The city hosts a five day Summer festival which attracts a large number of attendees. The Hammond Marina provides opportunities for boating, swimming and fishing. The Gibson Woods Nature Preserve features hiking trails in woodlands, sand dune areas and wetlands. The Hammond Lakefront Park and Bird Sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of birds during migration.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore includes an extensive shoreline on Lake Michigan as well as marsh areas, prairies, forest areas and rivers. It features a vast number of bird species and a variety of wildlife. Hammond includes numerous parks. A bike path runs from the northern end of the city down to the southern border. The Empress Casino features gambling and restaurants.
Transportation
The city is served by the Gary/Chicago Airport located in Gary. The South Shore Electric Line which runs from Chicago to South Bend, Indiana has a station located in the municipality. The Hammond Transit System provides bus services.
Higher Education
Purdue University Calumet and Calumet College of St. Joseph are located in the area.
