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Indiana's Third District
About
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Indiana's 3rd Congressional District, in the northeast and northcentral portions of the state, was created in the process of reapportionment resulting from the 2000 U.S. Census. Prior to the 2000 Census, Indiana had ten Congressional districts. Population growth trends in other portions of the nation outpaced Indiana's growth, resulting in the elimination of one seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. The population of each Congressional District is now approximately 675,000 people.
Indiana's 3rd Congressional District includes all of DeKalb, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben and Whitley Counties as well as major portions of Allen and Elkhart Counties. Fort Wayne is the largest city in the district with a population approaching 225,000 people. In addition to the Fort Wayne media market, the northwestern portions of the district are in the South Bend, Indiana and "Michiana" media markets.
The growth and development of the region was heavily influenced by the history of the early Northwest Territory of the Great Lakes. Historical accounts of The Battle of Fallen Timbers and the subsequent Treaty of Greeneville; transportation routes of the Native Americans around the Maumee, Wabash, St. Joseph and Elkhart rivers, reflect the significance of this region for the growth and expansion of the United States. Major Native American tribes in the region historically included the Miami, Delaware, and Pottawatomie. Many Native Americans continue to enjoy living in the 3rd District.
The 3rd District of Indiana offers a robust and diverse economy. We are the nation's leading producer of recreational vehicles, manufactured homes, orthopedic devices such as knee replacement devices, and ice cream. The auto industry plays a major role in our economy. Fort Wayne is among the nation's leading manufacturers of pick-up trucks. The region produces tires, suspension systems, steering wheels and a plethora of other auto parts. The district is also among the nation's leading steel producers. Magnet wire was invented in Fort Wayne and continues to be the basis for a variety of markets.
Agriculture is also key as the region leads the world economy in the processing and distribution of duck meat and down. Soybeans and corn are grown in abundance in northeast and northcentral Indiana.
While German-Americans are the largest ethnic group in the area, the district is home to immigrant communities from Macedonia, Greece, Burma, India, Ethiopia, Armenia, and a number of Latino and Southeast Asian societies. The religious traditions of the area are rich. The district is part of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church. The Missouri Synod Lutheran Church seminary, Concordia Lutheran, is located in Fort Wayne. Winona Lake, Indiana is the historic home of The Rev. Billy Sunday's ministry and Tabernacle, and the district is the home of Goshen College. Members of the Old Order Amish Faith also have major communities in Allen and Elkhart Counties.
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