Merrillville, Indiana is a city located in Lake County, just 7 miles south of Gary and 30 miles southeast of Chicago. It was once a densely forested area inhabited by the Potawatomi Indians, and was originally known as McGwinn Village. In 1835, American settlers moved to the area and changed the name to Wiggins Point. In 1848, the post office changed the name to Merrillville in honor of Dudley and William Merrill, two local residents.
At the time, the town included a store, a blacksmith shop, a cheese factory and the California Exchange Hotel. The railroads crossed Merrillville in 1876 (Chesapeake & Ohio) and 1880 (Chicago & Grand Trunk), opening links to Chicago markets. During World War II, Merrillville was a typical Midwestern farming community.Today, Merrillville is a thriving city with many businesses and attractions. It is home to numerous parks and recreational areas, as well as a variety of restaurants and shopping centers.
The city also hosts several annual events such as the Merrillville Summer Festival and the Merrillville Arts & Crafts Fair.Merrillville is an important part of Lake County’s history and culture. It is named after Dudley and William Merrill, two local residents who were instrumental in its development. The city has grown significantly since its founding and continues to be an important part of the region.
Merrillville, Indiana is a city located in Lake County, just 7 miles south of Gary and 30 miles southeast of Chicago. It was once a densely forested area inhabited by the Potawatomi Indians, and was originally known as McGwinn Village. In 1835, American settlers moved to the area and changed the name to Wiggins Point. In 1848, the post office changed the name to Merrillville in honor of Dudley and William Merrill, two local residents.
At the time, the town included a store, a blacksmith shop, a cheese factory and the California Exchange Hotel. The railroads crossed Merrillville in 1876 (Chesapeake & Ohio) and 1880 (Chicago & Grand Trunk), opening links to Chicago markets. During World War II, Merrillville was a typical Midwestern farming community.Today, Merrillville is a thriving city with many businesses and attractions. It is home to numerous parks and recreational areas, as well as a variety of restaurants and shopping centers.
The city also hosts several annual events such as the Merrillville Summer Festival and the Merrillville Arts & Crafts Fair.Merrillville is an important part of Lake County’s history and culture. It is named after Dudley and William Merrill, two local residents who were instrumental in its development. The city has grown significantly since its founding and continues to be an important part of the region.