Gary, Indiana

Gary, Indiana
Name	Gary, Indiana
Settlement type	City
Nickname	"The Steel City", "City of the Century"
Motto	"We Are Doing Great Things"
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Indiana
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Lake County
Established title	Founded
Established date	1906
Founder	United States Steel Corporation
Named for	Elbert Henry Gary
Government type	Mayor–council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Eddie Melton (D)
Area total km2	148.2
Area land km2	132.2
Area water km2	16.0
Elevation m	180
Elevation ft	590
Population total	69,093
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	CST
Utc offset	-6
Timezone DST	CDT
Utc offset DST	-5
Postal code type	ZIP Codes
Postal code	46401–46411
Area code	219
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	18-27000
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	0435035
Website	gary.gov

Gary, Indiana, is a city in Lake County, Indiana, located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan about 25 miles southeast of Chicago. Founded in 1906 by the United States Steel Corporation as a company town for its massive new Gary Works plant, it was named for the corporation's chairman, Elbert Henry Gary. The city experienced rapid growth during the early 20th century, becoming a global symbol of industrial might and a major destination during the Great Migration, before facing severe economic and population decline in the latter half of the century due to deindustrialization.

History

The city's history is inextricably linked to the United States Steel Corporation, which orchestrated its planned construction on previously undeveloped dune lands. The opening of the Gary Works in 1909 quickly made it one of the world's largest steel mill complexes, attracting a vast workforce of immigrants from Eastern Europe and Southern Europe, as well as African Americans from the Southern United States during the Great Migration. This period of explosive growth established it as a critical hub for the American steel industry and a stronghold for the American labor movement, including the Steel Workers Organizing Committee. The mid-20th century saw the election of Richard Hatcher as one of the nation's first African-American mayors of a major city in 1967. However, the severe downturn in domestic steel manufacturing beginning in the 1970s, coupled with white flight and rising unemployment, led to a protracted period of economic distress, population loss, and urban decay.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city encompasses a total area of 148.2 square kilometers, of which 132.2 square kilometers is land and 16.0 square kilometers is water, primarily from Lake Michigan. It is situated within the Calumet Region of Northwest Indiana, characterized by a flat terrain historically dominated by wetlands and sand dunes. The city's layout was originally designed by landscape architect George Edward Kessler, and its location at the southern tip of Lake Michigan places it within the Central Time Zone. Major natural features include the Grand Calumet River and the Indiana Dunes National Park, which lies to the east.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 69,093, a significant decline from its peak of over 178,000 in 1960. The city is notable for its racial and ethnic makeup, with a population that is over 80% African American, making it one of the most prominent majority-African-American cities in the United States. Other significant demographic groups include non-Hispanic white and Hispanic or Latino residents. The city has a relatively young median age and one of the highest poverty rates among U.S. cities of its size. These demographic shifts are directly tied to the history of the Great Migration and subsequent deindustrialization.

Economy

The economy was historically dominated by the Gary Works, which remains a major employer and steel producer under Cleveland-Cliffs, though at a fraction of its former capacity. The decline of manufacturing has led to efforts at economic diversification and revitalization, including leveraging the city's location near the Indiana Dunes National Park for tourism. Other significant employers include the Gary/Chicago International Airport, various logistics and transportation companies, and public sector institutions like the Gary Community School Corporation and local government. The city has also been a focus for urban planning and redevelopment initiatives, such as projects along its Lake Michigan shoreline.

Culture and society

The city is the birthplace of the world-famous Jackson family, including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and the Jackson 5, who began their career performing at local venues like Mr. Lucky's Lounge. The city's musical heritage also includes contributions to the development of blues and R&B, with the Gary Blues Festival being a notable event. Cultural institutions include the Gary Historical and Cultural Society and the Gary Air Show, held at the Gary/Chicago International Airport. The city is home to Indiana University Northwest and has been the setting for numerous films and television shows, often depicting its industrial landscape and urban challenges.

Government

The city operates under a mayor–council government system. The current mayor is Eddie Melton, a member of the Democratic Party. The city is part of Indiana's 1st congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Frank J. Mrvan. It is also within the jurisdiction of the Lake County government and is served by the Gary City Court. Like many older industrial cities, it faces significant challenges in providing municipal services due to a constricted tax base stemming from decades of population and economic decline.

Category:Cities in Indiana Category:Lake County, Indiana Category:Populated places established in 1906