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The city of Elkhart (population approximately 45,000) is located in north central Indiana, two hours east of Chicago, Illinois. Elkhart is a contemporary, urban community, with a manufacturing-based economy, surrounded by picturesque agricultural lands and the tranquility of Amish Heritage. For the visitor, Elkhart offers nationally acclaimed museums, unique shops, restaurants, and festivals and events that draw thousands year round.

Elkhart might have derived its name from the native American inhabitants of the area, who noted that the shape of the island at the confluence of the (subsequently named) Elkhart and St. Joseph Rivers, resembled an elk's heart. Another story suggests that the city was named after the Shawnee chief, Chief Elkhart. The first white settlers arrived in the area in 1821, drawn by the power source offered by the rivers, along whose banks quickly sprang up mills and factories. In 1868, the first dam was built on the St. Joseph River, and raceways were created from the diverted water flow, further increasing the number of factories and mills in the area, operated by hydraulic power. By mid-century, the coming of the railroad began a period of rapid growth and prosperity for the city. Elkhart quickly became a regional manufacturing center, freight hub, and railroad repair and service facility.

Elkhart became an incorporated city in 1875 , at the same time, Colonel C.G. Conn built its first musical instrument manufacturing plant here. At one time, over fifty businesses manufactured musical instruments in Elkhart, earning the city one of its many nicknames, "the band instrument capital of the world." Workers and manufacturing firms were drawn to the area because of high quality production and skilled workers. Miles Laboratories, manufacturer of Alka Seltzer, located its operation here in 1884 and went on to become one of the nation's leading pharmaceutical companies. Pride in its heritage and a diverse economic base that includes manufacturing and production of pharmaceuticals, musical instruments, automobile parts, telephone components, plastics and metal forming, recreational vehicles, and manufactured housing has made Elkhart one of the country's leading manufacturing communities.

The diversity of Elkhart's cultural activities include nationally and internationally acclaimed festivals, art exhibits and museums. The Head of the Elk Regatta is one of the nation's premier collegiate rowing events, and the U.S. national men's and women's rowing teams use the St. Joseph River for summer training.

Each June Elkhart plays host to many of the top jazz performers
in the nation (like Red Holloway, pictured on the right) during the three-day Elkhart Jazz Festival. Rhapsody in Green provides musical entertainment in the spectacular setting of Island Park, at the confluence of the Elkhart and St. Joseph Rivers. The Midwest Museum of American Art, the Mainstreet Showcase of Art, and the Ruthmere Museum provide diversions for the art lover, and events such as Winterfest and New Year's Eve Family Fest round out the year's activities, providing something for everyone all year long.

Additional information on the City of Elkhart and local events, festivals, and attractions can be obtained by contacting the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau at (219)-262-8161 or ecconv@amishcountry.org, or by visiting their web site at www.amishcountry.org.

Special thanks to Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Elkhart Truth, Indiana Rowing Association and Elkhart Centre, Inc. for sharing their photographs with us.