New Buffalo is a city in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,708 during the 2020 census.

History

The area around the mouth of the Galien River was originally populated by Miami and Potawatomi peoples. Later, French missionaries visited the area on their search for the fabled Northwest Passage. The area remained sparsely populated, even as Michigan Territory was petitioning for statehood.

In 1834 a sea-captain from Buffalo, New York—Wessel Whittaker—and his crew were shipwrecked on the Lake Michigan coast south of the Galien River outlet. As they headed back to Saint Joseph, MI to report the loss of their ship, Whittaker noticed the possibilities of the New Buffalo area as a potential harbor. He purchased the land around the river-mouth and with various family members in tow, returned and named his new settlement New Buffalo.

Compared to larger harbors along the coast, New Buffalo wasn't a contender initially. However, the new Michigan Central Railway was being built across Michigan in the late 1830s. This new transportation route terminated for several years in New Buffalo, leading to explosive growth. Railway passengers would stop in town to wait for steamers to finish taking them to Chicago, creating a demand for hotels. Unfortunately, the rail line was completed directly to Chicago, which made New Buffalo just another stop along the route. The boom times were over.

As the 19th century progressed, New Buffalo area became a popular vacation getaway spot for Chicagoans. It was easily reached by train and was miles away from the heavy industry of Gary, Indiana and the hustle and bustle of Chicago, Illinois. New Buffalo area also preserved the sand dunes that are common along the Lake Michigan shore. In the early 20th Century, US Highway 12 was constructed through town, allowing autos to drive there directly. In the mid-20th century, Interstate 94 was constructed just east of town.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water. The city is located on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Galien River. This forms a natural harbor, which is part of the current pleasure-boat harbor drawing summer residents and boaters.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, New Buffalo had a population of 1,708. The median age was 53.7 years. 15.1% of residents were under the age of 18 and 26.1% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 98.4 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 92.8 males age 18 and over.

100.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 0.0% lived in rural areas.

There were 846 households in New Buffalo, of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 37.5% were married-couple households, 24.3% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 31.9% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 38.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. of 2010, there were 1,883 people, 881 households, and 497 families living in the city. The population density was . There were 1,692 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 93.4% White, 1.6% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 2.6% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.4% of the population.

There were 881 households, of which 21.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.6% were non-families. 38.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age in the city was 48.4 years. 17.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.4% were from 25 to 44; 34.9% were from 45 to 64; and 21.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.

2000 census

As of the census boys baseball won the Class D State title in 1983 and 1995. The 1999 boys cross country team won the Class D State title, and the 2005 baseball team won the Division IV State title.

Notable people

  • Roger Brown, Chicago painter
  • Laurent Novikoff, ballet master

References

  • New Buffalo - Harbor Country Chamber
  • City of New Buffalo, MI Official Website
  • New Buffalo Business Association
  • New Buffalo Alumni
  • New Buffalo Railroad Museum
  • New Buffalo Historical Sites