The Interesting History of Hammond, Indiana

Hammond, Indiana, located in Lake County Indiana, and a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, was first inhabited by German farmers from Europe in 1847. These German farmers came to Hammond, Indiana in search of new land and new opportunities. They settle on the South end of Lake Michigan between the Little Calumet and the Grand Calumet Rivers.

Before the German farmers made Hammond their new home, this area was known as a crossroad for Indian tribes, explorers, stagecoaches and supply lines for the West.

In 1869, Hammond began its industrialization. The easily accessed location and great amount of fresh water from the lake were contributing factors to the industrialization. The G.H. Hammond Company packing and slaughter house opened there, following merchants and farmers. Hammond industrialization included businesses such as steel, chemicals, oil, soap, corn products, petroleum products, and packing materials. These businesses provided well-paying jobs for many people living in Hammond as well as other Chicago suburbs.

The city was named in honor of George Hammond, the founder of the G.H. Hammond packing and slaughter house that began business in 1869. This was the first industrial business in the area. Hammond, Indiana grew from a small group of German farmers settling there to a booming town, then it grew into a big city, it was incorporated in the year 1884. The city's very first mayor was Marcus Towle.

Today, Hammond is home to one of the largest congregations in the country, the First Baptist church of Hammond. It is also home to Purdue University Calumet which is a branch of the well-known Purdue University. This city was also the home of one of the first professional football teams in the United States. This team was known as the Hammond Professionals.

Hammond Indiana's Saint Margaret Hospital opened in 1898 and is still open and active today. This hospital has a reputation for being a trendsetter and is known for introducing innovative medical practices in the area.

Hammond, being located on the southern most shore of Lake Michigan is easy to get to. One could go there by plane, water, land, and even train. The convenient location has drawn many railroads and trucking companies to build there headquarters there.

If you go to Hammond today, it bears little resemblance to the tiny settlement that it started as. Today, you will see a big city full of life. Everywhere you look, you see people and traffic. There are stores galore in this area now. This once tiny location has definitely made it mark on the map.