Hammond

by The Linguist

Hammond, Indiana

Hammond, Indiana is a city located in the northwest corner of Indiana near the Illinois border. According to the Wikipedia page, Hammond has a population of around 77,000 residents as of 2020, making it the largest city in Lake County.

History

Hammond was founded in 1851 and was incorporated as a city in 1884. The city was named after George H. Hammond, who was instrumental in bringing the railroad industry to the area in the late 19th century. Hammond developed rapidly as an industrial city due to its proximity to Chicago and access to railroad transportation. Major industries included steel, oil refining, and manufacturing.

Some key moments in Hammond’s history include:

  • 1851 – George H. Hammond establishes the town of Hammond along the railroad line.
  • 1884 – Hammond incorporates as a city.
  • 1900s – Steel and oil industries thrive, population grows.
  • 1920s – Construction of the Indiana Harbor Ship Canal connects the city to Lake Michigan.
  • 1933 – The Hammond Civic Center hosts its first event.

To learn more about the history of Hammond, visit the Hammond Public Library website.

Attractions and Landmarks

Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Hammond include:

  • Wolf Lake – An 800-acre park surrounding Wolf Lake with trails, fishing, boating, and more. Location: 2324 Calumet Ave, Hammond, IN 46320.
  • Lost Marsh Golf Course – 18-hole public golf course with a driving range and pro shop. Location: 1550 125th St, Hammond, IN 46327.
  • Hammond Marina – Full-service marina on Lake Michigan with slips, fuel, repairs, and more. Location: 701 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN 46320.
  • Hammond Civic Center – Event and convention center located downtown. Location: 5825 Sohl Ave, Hammond, IN 46320.
  • Hammond Academy of Science and Technology (HAST) – A magnet school focused on healthcare, engineering, entrepreneurship and biotechnology. Location: 1840 – 169th Street Hammond, IN 46324 Phone: (219) 989-7360

Hammond is also home to several stunning religious structures such as:

  • Our Lady of Perpetual Help – A Roman Catholic church built in 1929 featuring Byzantine architecture. Location: 1755 – 171st Street Hammond, IN 46324 Phone: (219) 844-6822
  • First Presbyterian Church – This historic church was built in the late 1800s and is an example of Romanesque Revival style. Location: 6400 Hohman Ave, Hammond, IN 46320 Phone: (219) 932-5915

Economy and Major Employers

Some of the major industries and employers in Hammond include:

  • Calumet College of St. Joseph – Private college employing over 500 people. Location: 2400 New York Ave, Whiting, IN 46394 Phone: (219) 473-7770
  • Horseshoe Casino – Casino and entertainment complex employing over 1700 people. Location: 777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN 46320 Phone: (219) 977-7777
  • Lear Corporation – Automotive manufacturing facility employing around 1200 people. Location: 1100 Burr St, Hammond, IN 46327 Phone: (219) 845-8000
  • BP Whiting Refinery – Major oil refinery located just outside Hammond in Whiting, IN and employing around 1250 people. Location: 2815 Indianapolis Blvd, Whiting, IN 46394 Phone: (219) 473-5000

Other major employers include government agencies, schools, healthcare providers, and retail/hospitality businesses. To learn more about economic development in Hammond, visit the city’s website.

Parks and Recreation

Hammond has an abundance of parks and recreational facilities for residents to enjoy:

  • Wolf Lake Memorial Park – An 800-acre park surrounding Wolf Lake with hiking, fishing, and more. Location: 2324 Calumet Ave, Hammond, IN 46320
  • Lost Marsh Golf Course – Public 18-hole golf course with a driving range and pro shop. Location: 1550 125th St, Hammond, IN 46327
  • Hammond Sportsplex – Indoor complex with basketball courts, indoor soccer fields, and more. Location: 6630 Indianapolis Pl, Hammond, IN 46324
  • Edison Park – Large community park with sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails. Location: 6751 Myrtle Ave, Hammond, IN 46324

The Hammond Parks & Recreation Department oversees these facilities and many others within the city.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Hammond is provided by the Gary Public Transportation Corporation, which operates bus service throughout the city and to other parts of northwest Indiana. Some of the key public transit routes and information include:

  • Route 12 – Connects downtown Hammond to southern Hammond and Calumet College.
  • Route 13 – Connects Hammond to East Chicago via Indianapolis Boulevard.
  • Route 14 – Connects central Hammond to the northern Hessville neighborhood.
  • Route 17 – Connects Hammond to Highland, Griffith and Gary.

Fares are $1.75 for a standard one-way trip. Reduced fares are available for seniors, persons with disabilities and children. More information can be found on the Gary Public Transportation Corporation website.

Education

Public education in Hammond is provided by two school districts:

  • School City of Hammond – Serves most of the city and has 15 elementary schools, 5 middle schools and 3 high schools. Website: www.hammond.k12.in.us
  • School Town of Munster – Serves the southern portion of Hammond. Website: www.munster.us

In addition, there are several private and charter school options in Hammond:

  • Area Career Center – Public vocational education center. Website: areacareercenter.org
  • Hammond Academy of Science and Technology (HAST) – Public magnet school focused on science, tech, engineering, and math. Website: hammondacademy.org
  • Ombudsman Charter North – Charter school offering blended learning. Website: ombudsmancharters.org

For higher education, the city is home to Calumet College of St. Joseph, a private liberal arts college.

Things to Do

Some of the top things to do in Hammond for visitors and residents include:

  • Attend a performance or event at the Hammond Civic Center
  • Visit the Hammond Public Library and see exhibits at the E.B. Hayward Gallery
  • Tour the historic Dogsled Hamond Marina building
  • Enjoy water sports and recreation at Wolf Lake
  • Golf at Lost Marsh Golf Course
  • Take a walking tour of murals and public art
  • Shop and dine downtown along Hohman Avenue
  • See racing and drag events at US 131 Motorsports Park

Hammond has several annual events that attract visitors as well, such as the Lakeshore Jazz Festival, Hammond Comedy Festival, and Summer Concert Series.

Relocation Information

Those looking to relocate to Hammond will find a range of housing options, from historic homes to new construction subdivisions. Popular neighborhoods include:

  • Woodmar – Located south of downtown with a range of residential styles.
  • Southmoor – Features mid-century homes and proximity to Wolf Lake.
  • Sunnyside – Historic homes near downtown and Civic Center.
  • Hessville – A diverse northern neighborhood with cottages and bungalows.

The city website and local real estate agents can provide more information on homes for sale or rent.

Hammond Resources

Here are some additional local resources for Hammond residents and visitors:

Hammond Location and Demographics

Hammond is located in the northwest corner of Indiana, approximately 25 miles southeast of Chicago. It is situated primarily in Lake County, with a small portion extending into Porter County.

The geographic coordinates of Hammond are:

  • City Hall: 41.583056, -87.500056
  • Hammond Public Library: 41.587917, -87.503528
  • Wolf Lake Park: 41.591389, -87.454444

As of the 2020 Census, Hammond had a population of 75,733. Other key demographics include:

  • Median Age: 35.4 years
  • Male/Female Ratio: 48%/52%
  • Median Household Income: $42,574
  • Poverty Rate: 28%
  • Racial Makeup: 39% White, 31% Black, 24% Hispanic/Latino, 2% Asian

To learn more statistics about Hammond, visit the U.S. Census website.