A Rich History
The area's first known residents, the Miami Indians were challenged for territory by the Iroquois of New York.  Soon the Iroquois lost interest in the area and began returning to their original homeland. By 1700 the Pottawatomi Indians migrated from Wisconsin, assuming lands from what is now Chicago and as far north as Grand Rapids. Over time  French fur traders infiltrated the area, as their territories were becoming increasingly diminished through treaties. Then in 1838 the Pottawatomis gathered their families and possessions and moved on to a new home in the Kansas plains.

Early Settlements
Travel increased with the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825.  Soon stage coach routes were carved out of the wilderness, linking  the great cities of Detroit and Chicago, thus opening Harbor Country to growth and recognition along the trade route. Business moguls from as far away as New York, saw the potential for the vast dense forests. Saw mills sprang up and great ships 100 feet or more long were being constructed on the beaches, while numerous piers were built to service the booming logging industry that quickly dominated the region - fed by nearby Chicago's growth and insatiable appetite for lumber in its early infancy and then in rebuilding after the great Chicago fire.

New Buffalo Businessmen's Association

Golfmore Hotel Circa 1922

The local residents are tenacious about their much coveted harbor and country 'green space' and have managed to keep major development and urban sprawl out of the area. This has allowed the these small communities to remain quaint and rural in  their make-up and culture, which is one of the main attraction points for commuting getaway visitors from Indiana and nearby Chicago area, as well as known visitors from across the states and abroad that plan their Michigan vacations for this unique destination.