The history of this midwestern city is rooted in the river it sits on and how it’s had to evolve with industry’s past and present…Oh, and also a very famous University that’s next door. Established in 1865, South Bend saw a business boom in industry thanks to the St. Joseph River. Studebaker, Oliver Chilled Plow, and Singer Sewing machines were just a few of the big names. But we can’t forget the University of Notre Dame. It’s a huge influence on the economy and culture in South Bend to this day.