South Bend is a city in and the county seat of St. Joseph County, Indiana, on the St. Joseph River near its southernmost bend, from which it derives its name.  As of the 2020 census, the city had a total of 103,453 residents and is the fourth-largest city in Indiana.  

   The St. Joseph Valley was long occupied by Native Americans.  One of the earliest known groups to occupy what would later become northern Indiana was the “Miami” tribe.  Later, the Potawatomi moved into the region, utilizing the rich food and natural resources found along the river.  The South Bend area was popular because its portage was the shortest overland route from the St. Joseph River to the Kankakee River.  The route was used for centuries first by the Native Americans, then by French explorers, missionaries, and traders.  

   The first permanent white settlers of South Bend were fur traders who established trading posts in the area.  A post that was established in 1827 in whose records the name St. Joseph’s was used.  By 1829, the town was growing, and a post office was established.  The following year, the name was changed to South Bend.  In 1831, it was laid out as the county seat and as one of the four original townships of St. Joseph County with 128 residents.  In 1835, the town was formally established and was incorporated in 1865.  

   This card, published by “Miller’s Book Store, South Bend” and chronicles “Michigan Street, Looking South, South Bend, Ind.” and is in good condition with minor wear and a clean, clear image of a wide boulevard with era autos and commercial signs.  The reverse is also clean.