Following is a timeline of key activities associated with the history of the Town of Porter.

1822

With permission of the local Pottawattomie Chief and a permit from the United States Government, Joseph Bailly, fur magnate and entrepreneur, brought his family here and built a fine home overlooking the Calumet River in what is now the town of Porter. Bailly saw the area’s great natural beauty and the importance of its position on the south shore of Lake Michigan. He dreamed of a city and harbor in the future.

1834

Bailly platted the first subdivision and named it Baillytown. In the years that followed, more than 40 subdivisions were platted by others within the 5.7 square miles that are now the town of Porter.

1851

Arrival of railroads begins.

1858

A growing community is now established at Old Porter.

1871

Henry Hageman platted a subdivision he named after himself - “Hageman”.

1895

Porter School was built.

1908

Hageman incorporated under the name of Porter. Chicago South Shore – South Bend Railroad began operation.

1910

Electric street lights installed in town.

1913

The Porter Town Hall was built.

1921

February 27, 6:20PM
The great train wreck.
For complete details, please visit http://www.michiganrailroads.com/RRHX/Stories/DisasterAtPorter1921.htm

1925

US 12 is built and the Indiana Dunes State Park established.

1931

US 20 is built.

1933

Land is purchased by the town for Hawthorne Park.

1936

Dedication completed of the Hawthorne Park Community Building.

1948

April 7, 6:00PM
The Town of Porter is struck by a tornado, causing much damage but no loss of life.

1950

Yost School was built.

1953

Little League Park was built.

1956 – 1976

U.S. Nike missile base is located in Porter.

1956

Enchanted Forest, “Playland of the Indiana Dunes”, is built.

1958

The town celebrates its Centennial.

1962

NIPSCO Bailly Generating Station begins operations, and Bethlehem Steel begins production.

1963

Addition to Town Hall completed.

1965

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore established.

1969

I-94 built and Pratt Lake ( Indian Springs Park) dedicated.

1970

Opening of the Port of Indiana.

1973

Porter School demolished.

1974

Hageman Memorial Library was built.

1986

The Community Building in Hawthorne Park is enlarged and rededicated.

2005

The all-new Town of Porter web site is completed.