Goshen, Indiana
Encyclopedia
Goshen is a city in and the county seat
of Elkhart County
, Indiana
, United States
. It is the smaller of the two principal cities of the Elkhart-Goshen Metropolitan Statistical Area, which in turn is part of the South Bend-Elkhart-Mishawaka Combined Statistical Area
. It is located in the northern part of Indiana near the Michigan
border, in a region known as Michiana
. Goshen is located 10 miles south of Elkhart
, 25 miles southeast of South Bend
, 120 miles east of Chicago, and 150 miles north of Indianapolis
. The population was 31,719 at the 2010 census. The city is known as a center of manufacturing for recreational vehicle
s and accessories, the home of Goshen College
, a nationally recognized liberal arts college, and home to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair
, the second largest county fair in the United States.
, the city has a total area of 13.4 square miles (34.7 km²), of which, 13.2 square miles (34.2 km²) of it is land and 0.2 square mile (0.517997622 km²) of it (1.57%) is water. The Elkhart River
winds its way through the city and through a dam on the south side making the Goshen Dam Pond. Rock Run Creek also runs through town.
The city is divided north/south by Main Street and east/west by Lincoln Avenue.
of 2000, there were 29,383 people, 10,675 households, and 7,088 families residing in the city. The population density
was 2,227.7 people per square mile (860.1/km²). There were 11,264 housing units at an average density of 854.0 per square mile (329.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 83.15% White
, 1.53% Black
or African American
, 0.26% Native American
, 1.10% Asian
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
, 12.00% from other races
, and 1.94% from two or more races. 19.33% of the population were Hispanic or Latino
of any race.
There were 10,675 households out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples
living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.9% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 100.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,383, and the median income for a family was $46,877. Males had a median income of $32,159 versus $23,290 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $18,899. About 6.0% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.
bus connects Goshen to the nearby city of Elkhart
and the unincorporated town of Dunlap via Concord and Elkhart-Goshen routes. The routes pass at Elkhart's Amtrak station
, allowing passengers to connect to the Capitol Limited and Lake Shore Limited
trains. Riders can also transfer to North Pointe route and Bittersweet/Mishawaka route. The former allows riders to connect to Elkhart's Greyhound bus station, while the later connects the riders to the city of Mishawaka and town of Osceola
. The Bittersweet/Mishawaka route also allows them to transfer to TRANSPO Route 9 to connect to destinations throughout South Bend-Goshen metropolitan region and the South Shore Line
's South Bend Regional Airport
station
.
. Plans drawn up in 2005 call for the plant to be reopened and redevelopment to begin along the canal.
The Elkhart County Fairgrounds are also located in the city, where in late July, the Elkhart County Fair is held. It is the largest county fair in Indiana
and the second largest in attendance in the United States.
The Goshen Air Show is also an annual event that takes place at the Goshen Municipal Airport.
In 2007, Downtown Goshen, Inc., a public-private partnership formed from the merger of Face of the City and the Downtown Action Team, started a First Fridays program. Occurring year round, First Fridays happens on the first Friday of each month with stores open until 9, music and other entertainment, and other events occurring within Goshen's downtown district.
is rumored to be the first Wal-Mart in the United States to provide a covered stable for its frequent Amish
customers. In fact, it was the Amish that built the stable with lumber and other supplies donated by Wal-Mart.
In 2005, Goshen-based soccer club FC Indiana became the first North American women's team ever to win league and cup double by winning the Women's Premier Soccer League
national championship and the US Open Cup national championship.
In April 2006, Goshen was the site for an immigration march. Officials estimate that about 2000 to 3000 people marched from Linway Plaza to the County Courthouse.
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Elkhart County
Elkhart County, Indiana
Elkhart County is a county in the U.S. state of Indiana. Much of the county is in the Elkhart-Goshen Metropolitan Statistical Area, which in turn is part of the South Bend-Elkhart-Mishawaka Combined Statistical Area...
, Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It is the smaller of the two principal cities of the Elkhart-Goshen Metropolitan Statistical Area, which in turn is part of the South Bend-Elkhart-Mishawaka Combined Statistical Area
Combined Statistical Area
The United States Office of Management and Budget defines micropolitan and metropolitan statistical areas. Metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas consist of one or more counties...
. It is located in the northern part of Indiana near the Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
border, in a region known as Michiana
Michiana
Michiana is a region in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan centered on the city of South Bend, Indiana. The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County, Indiana defines Michiana as "counties that contribute at least 500 inbound commuting workers to St. Joseph County daily." Those counties...
. Goshen is located 10 miles south of Elkhart
Elkhart, Indiana
Elkhart is a city in Elkhart County, Indiana, United States. The city is located east of South Bend, northwest of Fort Wayne, east of Chicago, and north of Indianapolis...
, 25 miles southeast of South Bend
South Bend, Indiana
The city of South Bend is the county seat of St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States, on the St. Joseph River near its southernmost bend, from which it derives its name. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total of 101,168 residents; its Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 316,663...
, 120 miles east of Chicago, and 150 miles north of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
. The population was 31,719 at the 2010 census. The city is known as a center of manufacturing for recreational vehicle
Recreational vehicle
Recreational vehicle or RV is, in North America, the usual term for a Motor vehicle or trailer equipped with living space and amenities found in a home.-Features:...
s and accessories, the home of Goshen College
Goshen College
Goshen College, is a private Mennonite liberal arts college in Goshen, Indiana, USA with an enrollment of around 1,000 students. The college is accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities...
, a nationally recognized liberal arts college, and home to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair
Elkhart County 4-H Fair
The Elkhart County 4-H Fair is held in late July in Goshen, Indiana. It is the second largest county fair in the country. In 2008, 240,859 guests visited the Fair during the 9 day event. The Elkhart County 4-H Fair is known for its free grandstand entertainment and concerts...
, the second largest county fair in the United States.
Geography
Goshen is located at 41°34′55"N 85°50′12"W. According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 13.4 square miles (34.7 km²), of which, 13.2 square miles (34.2 km²) of it is land and 0.2 square mile (0.517997622 km²) of it (1.57%) is water. The Elkhart River
Elkhart River
The Elkhart River is a tributary of the St. Joseph River in northern Indiana in the United States. It is almost entirely contained in Elkhart County. It begins southeast of Millersburg just across the county line in Noble County. It flows generally westward through Benton and then turns...
winds its way through the city and through a dam on the south side making the Goshen Dam Pond. Rock Run Creek also runs through town.
The city is divided north/south by Main Street and east/west by Lincoln Avenue.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 29,383 people, 10,675 households, and 7,088 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 2,227.7 people per square mile (860.1/km²). There were 11,264 housing units at an average density of 854.0 per square mile (329.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 83.15% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.53% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.26% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.10% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 12.00% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.94% from two or more races. 19.33% of the population were Hispanic or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 10,675 households out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.9% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 100.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,383, and the median income for a family was $46,877. Males had a median income of $32,159 versus $23,290 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $18,899. About 6.0% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.
Government
The government consists of a mayor, a clerk treasurer and a city council. The mayor and clerk is elected in citywide vote. The city council consists of seven members. Five are elected from individual districts. Two are elected at-large.Transportation
The Interurban TrolleyInterurban Trolley
Interurban Trolley is an Elkhart County regional public bus service operated by the Michiana Area Council of Governments . It was originally known as the BUS system. The system serves the city of Elkhart and neighboring Goshen, Osceola, Dunlap and Mishawaka...
bus connects Goshen to the nearby city of Elkhart
Elkhart, Indiana
Elkhart is a city in Elkhart County, Indiana, United States. The city is located east of South Bend, northwest of Fort Wayne, east of Chicago, and north of Indianapolis...
and the unincorporated town of Dunlap via Concord and Elkhart-Goshen routes. The routes pass at Elkhart's Amtrak station
Elkhart (Amtrak station)
Elkhart is a train station in Elkhart, Indiana served by Amtrak, the national railroad passenger system. Elkhart is the second station on both the eastbound Capitol Limited and Lake Shore Limited toward New York City and Washington DC...
, allowing passengers to connect to the Capitol Limited and Lake Shore Limited
Lake Shore Limited
The Lake Shore Limited is a daily passenger train route operated by Amtrak in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. The train runs between Chicago and Albany, NY, where it divides into two sections that provide thru-service to New York and Boston...
trains. Riders can also transfer to North Pointe route and Bittersweet/Mishawaka route. The former allows riders to connect to Elkhart's Greyhound bus station, while the later connects the riders to the city of Mishawaka and town of Osceola
Osceola, Indiana
Osceola is a town in Penn Township, St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 2,463 at the 2010 Census. It is part of the South Bend–Mishawaka, IN-MI, Metropolitan Statistical Area.The town is named after Seminole fighter, Osceola...
. The Bittersweet/Mishawaka route also allows them to transfer to TRANSPO Route 9 to connect to destinations throughout South Bend-Goshen metropolitan region and the South Shore Line
South Shore Line (NICTD)
The South Shore Line is an electrically powered interurban commuter rail line operated by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District between Millennium Station in downtown Chicago and the South Bend Regional Airport in South Bend, Indiana...
's South Bend Regional Airport
South Bend Regional Airport
South Bend Regional Airport is a public airport located three miles northwest of the central business district of South Bend, a city in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States. This airport is publicly owned by St. Joseph County Airport Authority...
station
South Bend Airport (NICTD)
South Bend Airport is the eastern terminus of the South Shore Line serving South Bend Regional Airport. The station is northwest of the central business district of South Bend, Indiana. In November 1992, this station replaced the South Shore Line's former terminus at the South Bend Amtrak Station...
.
Historic District
The Goshen Historic district, added in 1983 to the National Registor of Historic Places is bounded by Pike, RR, Cottage, Plymouth, Main, Purl, the Canal, and Second Sts. with the Elkhart County Courthouse at its center.Recreation
Goshen has seven parks and has a few different greenways and trails winding through the city, one of which runs along the old Mill Race and hydraulic canal which was once used to power an old hydroelectric power plantHydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy...
. Plans drawn up in 2005 call for the plant to be reopened and redevelopment to begin along the canal.
The Elkhart County Fairgrounds are also located in the city, where in late July, the Elkhart County Fair is held. It is the largest county fair in Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
and the second largest in attendance in the United States.
The Goshen Air Show is also an annual event that takes place at the Goshen Municipal Airport.
In 2007, Downtown Goshen, Inc., a public-private partnership formed from the merger of Face of the City and the Downtown Action Team, started a First Fridays program. Occurring year round, First Fridays happens on the first Friday of each month with stores open until 9, music and other entertainment, and other events occurring within Goshen's downtown district.
Fame
The South side Wal-MartWal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
is rumored to be the first Wal-Mart in the United States to provide a covered stable for its frequent Amish
Amish
The Amish , sometimes referred to as Amish Mennonites, are a group of Christian church fellowships that form a subgroup of the Mennonite churches...
customers. In fact, it was the Amish that built the stable with lumber and other supplies donated by Wal-Mart.
In 2005, Goshen-based soccer club FC Indiana became the first North American women's team ever to win league and cup double by winning the Women's Premier Soccer League
Women's Premier Soccer League
The Women's Premier Soccer League is a national women's soccer league in the United States and Puerto Rico, and is on the 2nd level of women's soccer in the United States soccer pyramid, alongside the W-League and below Women's Professional Soccer....
national championship and the US Open Cup national championship.
In April 2006, Goshen was the site for an immigration march. Officials estimate that about 2000 to 3000 people marched from Linway Plaza to the County Courthouse.
Infamy
- On April 11, 1965, a large outbreak of tornadoes struck the Midwest. The most famous pair of tornadoes devastated the Midway Trailer Park (now inside the city limits of Goshen), and the Sunnyside Housing Addition in Dunlap, Indiana, but a smaller F4 tornado also struck neighborhoods on the southeast side of Goshen on the same day. Statewide, 137 Hoosiers died in the storms—55 of them in Elkhart County. Days later, President Lyndon B. JohnsonLyndon B. JohnsonLyndon Baines Johnson , often referred to as LBJ, was the 36th President of the United States after his service as the 37th Vice President of the United States...
visited the Dunlap site.
US Representatives
- John Harris BakerJohn Harris BakerJohn Harris Baker was a U.S. Representative from Indiana and a United States federal judge, brother of Lucien Baker.-Early years and education:...
(1832–1915) - Ebenezer M. ChamberlainEbenezer M. ChamberlainEbenezer Mattoon Chamberlain was a U.S. Representative from Indiana.Born in Orrington, Maine, Chamberlain attended public school before becoming employed in his father's shipyard...
(1805–1861) - Joseph Hutton Defrees (1812–1885)
- Robert LoweryRobert LoweryRobert Lowery may refer to:*Robert G. Lowery, American politician from Florissant, Missouri*Robert Newton Lowery, Canadian politician from Manitoba*Robert Lowery *Robert Lowery , British canoer who competed in the Summer Olympics...
(1824–1904)
Entertainment
- Kate BolduanKate BolduanKatherine Jean Bolduan, better known as Kate Bolduan, is a congressional correspondent for CNN based in Washington, D.C. Bolduan provides feature stories and breaking news reports as well as custom live reports. Previously, she served as a general assignment correspondent for the network.A native...
, CNN correspondent - James CarewJames CarewJames Carew was an American actor who appeared in many films, mainly in Britain. He was born in Goshen, Indiana in 1876 and began work as a clerk in a publishing firm...
, silent film actor (1876–1938) - Howard HawksHoward HawksHoward Winchester Hawks was an American film director, producer and screenwriter of the classic Hollywood era...
, film director (1896–1977) - Philip ProctorPhilip ProctorPhilip Proctor is an American actor, voice actor and a member of The Firesign Theatre. He plays Rocky Rococo and Nancy in the Nick Danger series. He is from Goshen, Indiana...
, voice-over talent (b. 1940) - Raymond L. SchrockRaymond L. SchrockRaymond L. Schrock was an American screenwriter. He wrote for 155 films between 1915 and 1950.He was born in Goshen, Indiana and died in Hollywood, California from a heart attack.-Selected filmography:...
, screenwriter (1892–1950) - James C. StrouseJames C. StrouseJames C. Strouse is an American screenwriter and film director. He wrote the film Lonesome Jim , directed by Steve Buscemi. He wrote and made his directorial debut with Grace Is Gone starring John Cusack. Strouse won an Audience Award for most popular dramatic feature and the Waldo Salt...
, screenwriter
External links
41°34′55"N 85°50′12"W- City of Goshen, Indiana website
- Goshen Chamber of Commerce
- Goshen on citydata.com – collection of statistics and graphs of Goshen demographics.