Gary, Indiana, Turns 100 And Hopes For Better Times

The city founded in 1906 to house U.S. Steel workers hopes its next 100 years bring a return to past glory.

1 minute read

April 19, 2006, 6:00 AM PDT

By David Gest


Once a thriving manufacturing town nicknamed Magic City -- because it literally came out of the ground overnight along with the explosive growth of U.S. Steel -- Gary, Indiana, has seen its fortunes plunge just as quickly, along with the declining local employment of Big Steel. Add to the mix racial tensions in the 1960s, suburban flight in the 70s and rampant drug crime in the 80s and 90s, and the result is a current population total just over half of Gary's 200,000 peak.

City boosters are using Gary's 100th anniversary to celebrate the area's past and provide hope for its future. The Gary Centennial Celebration will feature festivals, an air show, and a climactic outdoor July 4th concert with native son Tito Jackson. The centennial dovetails with attempts to revitalize Gary's airport and lakefront, and the construction of a new downtown minor-league baseball stadium.

And in a curious twist of fate, Indiana's republican governor, Mitch Daniels, has taken an interest in revitalizing Gary and its lakefront. Despite Gary being "genetically, impossibly, forever Democratic," Daniels feels a reborn Gary would contribute to overall statewide growth.

Thanks to Alex Pearlstein

Tuesday, April 18, 2006 in USA Today

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog