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Goshen, IN

Frequently asked questions

Goshen, IN

Goshen is a city in and the county seat of Elkhart County, Indiana, United States. It is the smaller of the two principal cities of the Elkhart–Goshen Metropolitan Statistical Area, which in turn is part of the South Bend–Elkhart–Mishawaka Combined Statistical Area. It is located in the northern part of Indiana near the Michigan border, in a region known as Michiana. Goshen is located 10 miles southeast of Elkhart, 25 miles southeast of South Bend, 120 miles east of Chicago, and 150 miles north of Indianapolis. The population was 34,517 at the 2020 census.

The city is known as an extremely prominent recreational vehicle and accessories manufacturing center, the home of Goshen College, a small Mennonite liberal arts college, and the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, one of the largest county fairs in the United States.

Before the arrival of white colonists, the land that is today Goshen, Indiana, was populated by Native Americans, specifically the Miami people, the Peoria people, and the Potawatomi people. These people inhabited this land for thousands of years. In 1830, the US Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, requiring all indigenous people to relocate west of the Mississippi River.

Goshen was platted in 1831. It was named after the Land of Goshen. The initial settlers consisted entirely of old-stock "Yankee" immigrants, who were descended from the English Puritans who settled New England in the 1600s. The New England Yankee population that founded towns such as Goshen considered themselves the "chosen people," and identified with the Israelites of the Old Testament and they thought of North America as their Canaan. They founded a large number of towns and counties across what is known as the Northern Tier of the upper Midwest. It was in this context that Goshen was named.

Goshen has been called a "sundown town", and African Americans were allegedly prevented from living in, or entering, the town, under threat of violence. However, there was never a city ordinance or official policy to enforce such a restriction. Nevertheless, in March 2015, the city issued a formal apology for racial discrimination in the past. A documentary made at Goshen College, "Goshen: A Sundown Town's Transformation," tells the story of why Goshen has been called a sundown town.

Goshen is located at 41°34′55″N 85°50′12″W. The Elkhart River winds its way through the city and through a dam on the south side making the Goshen Dam Pond. Rock Run Creek also runs through town. The city is divided east/west by Main Street and north/south by Lincoln Avenue. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.59 square miles (42.97 km2), of which 16.23 square miles (42.04 km2) is land and 0.36 square miles (0.93 km2) is water.

In terms of health and wellness, Goshen prioritizes the well-being of its residents. The city boasts a robust healthcare system, with institutions such as Goshen Health providing comprehensive medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Goshen Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Goshen Fitness, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Goshen, such as the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and Ox Bow County Park Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Goshen, IN include Fidler Pond Park, Shanklin Park, The Bag Factory, and Goshen Historical Society. 

Population: 34,375 (2022). Elevation: 758 feet (231 m). Area: 17.95 sq mi (46.50 km2). ZIP Code: 46526. Area code: 574.

FAQs

What is Goshen IN known for?

Goshen is a city in and the county seat of Elkhart County, Indiana, United States. It is the smaller of the two principal cities of the Elkhart–Goshen Metropolitan Statistical Area, which in turn is part of the South Bend–Elkhart–Mishawaka Combined Statistical Area. The city is known as an extremely prominent recreational vehicle and accessories manufacturing center, the home of Goshen College, a small Mennonite liberal arts college, and the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, one of the largest county fairs in the United States.

Is Goshen, Indiana an Amish community?

Settled in 1828–30 and probably named for Goshen, New York, the home of one of its early settlers, it has a large Amish and Mennonite community. Goshen is a trade center for poultry and diversified farming; manufacturers include furniture, rubber products, boats, mobile homes, and electronic controls. Menno-Hof, a museum and interpretive center dedicated to the Anabaptist faiths (Mennonites, Amish, and Hutterites), is located in Shipshewana, 20 miles (32 km) northeast.

What is the crime rate in Goshen, IN?

The crime rate in Goshen is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 30 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Goshen is 1 in 33. Based on FBI crime data, Goshen is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Indiana, Goshen has a crime rate that is higher than 94% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Goshen

Goshen Health 

Planet Fitness

Goshen Fitness 

Anytime Fitness

Pumpkinvine Nature Trail 

Ox Bow County Park Loop

Fidler Pond Park

Shanklin Park

The Bag Factory

Goshen Historical Society

Britannica

Neighborhoodscout
 

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