Mishawaka

Mishawaka
City
City of Mishawaka
Downtown Mishawaka Downtown Mishawaka
Nickname(s):  Princess City
Motto(s):  "The City of Progress"
Founded	1831
Founded by	Alexis Coquillard
Government
• Type	Mayor-Council
• Body	Mishawaka Common Council
• Mayor	Dave Wood
Area
• Total	44.9 km2 (17.34 sq mi)
• Land	44.2 km2 (17.06 sq mi)
• Water	0.7 km2 (0.28 sq mi)
Elevation	211 m (692 ft)
Population  (2020)
• Total	48,252
• Density	1,092.1/km2 (2,828.6/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes	46544-46546
Area code(s)	574
Website	Official website

Mishawaka is a city located in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States. It is situated on the St. Joseph River and is part of the South Bend–Mishawaka Metropolitan Statistical Area. With a population of 48,252 as of 2020, Mishawaka is the second-largest city in the county.

History

Mishawaka was founded in 1831 by Alexis Coquillard, a fur trader and land speculator. The city was named after the Mishawaka Indian tribe, who originally inhabited the area. In the late 19th century, Mishawaka became an industrial center with the establishment of several factories, including the Dodge Manufacturing Company and the Ball Band Rubber Company.

Geography

Mishawaka is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.34 square miles (44.92 km2), of which 17.06 square miles (44.20 km2) is land and 0.28 square miles (0.73 km2) is water.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Mishawaka had a population of 48,252. The racial makeup of the city was 85.6% White, 6.9% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.4% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.7% of the population.

Economy

Mishawaka has a diverse economy with a mix of manufacturing, retail, and service industries. The city is home to several major employers, including AM General, a manufacturer of military and commercial vehicles, and Franciscan Health Mishawaka, a regional healthcare provider. Mishawaka's retail sector is anchored by the University Park Mall, which features over 100 stores and restaurants.

Education

Mishawaka is served by the School City of Mishawaka, which operates several public schools in the area. The city is also home to Bethel University, a private Christian college.

Culture

Mishawaka is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to the Mishawaka Amphitheatre, a popular outdoor music venue that hosts concerts and events throughout the year. Mishawaka also has a number of parks and recreational facilities, including the Mishawaka Riverwalk, a scenic trail along the St. Joseph River.

Notable People

• Ryan Newman - NASCAR driver
• John Wooden - Hall of Fame basketball coach
• Jesse Ventura - Former professional wrestler and politician

External links

• Official website
• Mishawaka Chamber of Commerce