Celebrating 250 years of history with WSBT’s Amazing America series

The United States will have its 250th birthday this year on July 4. From touring America’s national monuments to July 3 ball drops, communities across the nation are preparing year-long celebrations honoring the history and culture that make America a land of opportunity.

Northern Indiana has played a significant role in America’s prosperity ever since the first permanent settlements were laid in the 17th and 18th centuries, yet the Region’s true impact wasn’t felt until industrialization, combined with a strong work ethic, created a manufacturing boom that revolutionized the country.

Since then, the region has remained an important manufacturing and recreational area with a lot of history behind it, something highlighted by WSBT’s Amazing America series. As July 4 approaches, check out some of the awesome sites that have helped America thrive over the past 250 years, and visit WSBT to learn more about all the history!

Washington Park Zoo

Started in 1925 with a retired circus bear, the Washington Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Indiana, and over the past century has grown to house over 200 animals within its enclosures. Many of the buildings and exhibits on the zoo’s 15 acres, while updated for the modern day, have roots dating back to the zoo’s early years, and 11 of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit the zoo’s website to see all of its upcoming special events!

Bristol Opera House

With nearly 130 years in the Bristol community, the Bristol Opera House is a symbol of unity and the arts in Elkhart County. Purchased in 1961 by Elkhart Civic Theatre, the Bristol Opera House has been home to hundreds of plays put on and supported by volunteers from throughout the county. Elkhart Civic Theatre performs nine different shows throughout the year, and tickets for its upcoming production of “Dear Evan Hanson” are available to purchase now. Visit elkhartcivictheatre.org to learn more about seeing a show or performing in this historic venue.

Indiana Beach

Indiana Beach is celebrating its birthday alongside America! Proving that there’s more than corn in Indiana for the past century, Indiana Beach is a summer time staple throughout Northern Indiana. The amusement park is a place of first for many in Indiana, and the memories made in childhood carry on through life. From roller coasters and rides to concerts and concessions, you can begin planning your trip to Indiana Beach at indianabeach.com.

The South Shore Line

The South Shore Line extends from Millenium Station in Chicago to the South Bend International Airport, connecting Northern Indiana with hundreds of miles of rail. Since its beginning in the early 20th century, the South Shore Line has given thousands in Indiana access to jobs and experiences by making travel between major cities easy and affordable. Even after a century of service, the South Shore Line continues to innovate and improve upon its services with track expansions that allow even more riders to take the train. Start planning your next trip at mysouthshoreline.com.

Century of Progress Homes

In 1933, five homes were built to provide a vision of the future for attendees of the World’s Fair in Chicago. Following the fair, the homes were brought across Lake Michigan to the developing Beverly Shores, where the homes have since stood as symbols of progress and possibility. This includes the maintenance of the homes, particularly the House of Tomorrow, which is undergoing an exterior and interior renovation to keep its iconic look fresh from the Lake Michigan weather. Thanks to community support and partnership across departments, these landmarks will continue to stand the test of time. Get your tickets to the end of summer house tour to see these visions of the future for yourself!

Interested in hearing more about the history of Northern Indiana and beyond? Visit WSBT’s Amazing America series page to hear more in-depth and personal stories about some of the nation’s most famous landmarks and the impacts they’ve made on people across the nation.