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South Bend's name is derived from its location at the northernmost bend of the St. Joseph River.
Answer: False
Explanation: South Bend's name is derived from its location at the *southernmost* bend of the St. Joseph River, not the northernmost.
René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, was the first European to visit the area of South Bend, using a portage between two rivers.
Answer: True
Explanation: René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, was indeed the first European to visit the South Bend area in December 1679, utilizing a portage connecting the St. Joseph River to the Kankakee River.
The first permanent white settlers in South Bend were primarily farmers who established large agricultural estates.
Answer: False
Explanation: The first permanent white settlers in South Bend were primarily fur traders, not farmers, who established trading posts.
South Bend was incorporated as a city in 1835, with William G. George as its first mayor.
Answer: False
Explanation: South Bend was established as a town in 1835, but it was incorporated as a city in 1865, with William G. George as its first mayor.
The city's motto, 'Peace,' commemorates the end of the American Civil War, which occurred around the time of its incorporation.
Answer: True
Explanation: South Bend's official city motto, 'Peace,' commemorates its incorporation in May 1865, the month following the Confederate surrender that ended the American Civil War.
What is the primary geographical feature from which South Bend derives its name?
Answer: The southernmost bend of the St. Joseph River
Explanation: South Bend's name is derived from its location at the southernmost bend of the St. Joseph River.
Who was the first European explorer to visit the area that is now South Bend?
Answer: René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle
Explanation: René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, was the first European to visit the area that is now South Bend in December 1679.
What was the primary occupation of the earliest permanent white settlers in South Bend?
Answer: Fur traders
Explanation: The earliest permanent white settlers in South Bend were fur traders who established trading posts.
When was South Bend formally incorporated as a city?
Answer: 1865
Explanation: South Bend was formally incorporated as a city on May 22, 1865.
What event does South Bend's official city motto, 'Peace,' commemorate?
Answer: The end of the American Civil War
Explanation: South Bend's official city motto, 'Peace,' commemorates its incorporation in May 1865, the month following the Confederate surrender that ended the American Civil War.
The St. Joseph River was instrumental in South Bend's early economic development by facilitating heavy industrial growth.
Answer: True
Explanation: The St. Joseph River was crucial for South Bend's economic development through the mid-20th century, facilitating significant heavy industrial growth, including major companies like Studebaker and Oliver Chilled Plow Company.
Since the 1960s, South Bend's economy has primarily shifted towards manufacturing and heavy industry, reversing earlier declines.
Answer: False
Explanation: Since the 1960s, South Bend's economy has shifted *away* from manufacturing and heavy industry, moving towards health care, education, small business, and tourism, following significant industrial decline.
The arrival of the first steam locomotive in South Bend in 1851 enhanced river-based trade and transportation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The arrival of the first steam locomotive in South Bend in 1851 redirected trade and transportation *from* the river to the railroad system, rather than enhancing river-based trade.
European immigrants who came to South Bend after the Civil War primarily found employment in agricultural sectors.
Answer: False
Explanation: European immigrants who came to South Bend after the Civil War were primarily drawn by available employment and high wages in area *factories*, not agricultural sectors.
The Bendix Corporation in South Bend was the location of the first sit-in strike in American history.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bendix Corporation in South Bend was indeed the site of the first sit-in strike in American history, which occurred in 1936.
The closure of Studebaker's automotive plants in the 1960s led to significant job growth and population increase in South Bend.
Answer: False
Explanation: The closure of Studebaker's automotive plants in the 1960s led to a severe loss of jobs and a population decrease in South Bend, not growth.
Which of the following companies was NOT explicitly mentioned as a major industry that developed along the St. Joseph River in South Bend through the mid-20th century?
Answer: General Motors
Explanation: The source explicitly mentions Studebaker Corporation, Oliver Chilled Plow Company, and Singer Sewing Company as major industries along the St. Joseph River, but not General Motors.
How did the arrival of the first steam locomotive in South Bend in 1851 impact the city's commerce?
Answer: It redirected trade and transportation from the river to the railroad system.
Explanation: The arrival of the first steam locomotive in South Bend in 1851 redirected trade and transportation from the river to the more efficient railroad system.
What was a notable characteristic of European immigrants who settled in South Bend after the Civil War, according to historical accounts?
Answer: The majority were Catholic and achieved higher rates of social mobility.
Explanation: According to historical accounts, the majority of European immigrants who settled in South Bend after the Civil War were Catholic and achieved higher rates of social mobility compared to their counterparts in the Northeastern United States.
Which company in South Bend was the site of the first sit-in strike in American history?
Answer: Bendix Corporation
Explanation: The Bendix Corporation in South Bend was the site of the first sit-in strike in American history in 1936.
What was a direct consequence of the closure of Studebaker's automotive manufacturing plants in South Bend in the 1960s?
Answer: A severe loss of jobs and population decrease
Explanation: The closure of Studebaker's automotive manufacturing plants in the 1960s led to a severe loss of jobs and a significant population decrease in South Bend.
Ignition Park is a technology park developed on former Studebaker land to attract tech businesses to South Bend.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ignition Park was developed on former Studebaker land as a dual-certified technology park specifically to attract tech businesses and provide high-tech space in South Bend.
The St. Joe Valley Metronet is a 50-mile dark fiber optic network that has helped attract high-tech firms to the South Bend area.
Answer: True
Explanation: The St. Joe Valley Metronet, also known as Zing, is a 50-mile dark fiber optic network that has been instrumental in attracting high-tech firms to South Bend and the surrounding area.
The University of Notre Dame is the largest employer in South Bend and St. Joseph County.
Answer: False
Explanation: Beacon Health System is the largest employer in South Bend and St. Joseph County, while the University of Notre Dame is the second-largest.
The Smart Street Initiative aims to convert two-way streets to one-way streets to improve traffic flow in South Bend.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Smart Street Initiative aims to convert *one-way* streets to *two-way* streets to attract businesses, create shorter travel routes, and reduce speeding, not the other way around.
What are the largest industries in South Bend today, following its industrial decline since the 1960s?
Answer: Health care, education, small business, and tourism
Explanation: Following industrial decline since the 1960s, South Bend's largest industries today are health care, education, small business, and tourism.
What is the primary purpose of Ignition Park in South Bend?
Answer: To attract tech businesses and provide high-tech space.
Explanation: Ignition Park was developed on former Studebaker land with the primary purpose of attracting tech businesses and offering high-tech space.
What is the St. Joe Valley Metronet, also known as Zing?
Answer: A 50-mile dark fiber optic network
Explanation: The St. Joe Valley Metronet, also known as Zing, is a 50-mile dark fiber optic network instrumental in attracting high-tech firms to the South Bend area.
What is the University of Notre Dame's ranking as an employer in South Bend and St. Joseph County?
Answer: Second-largest employer
Explanation: The University of Notre Dame is the second-largest employer in South Bend and St. Joseph County.
What is a primary goal of the Smart Street Initiative in South Bend?
Answer: To convert one-way streets to two-way streets to attract businesses and reduce speeding.
Explanation: A primary goal of the Smart Street Initiative is to convert one-way streets to two-way streets to attract businesses, create shorter travel routes, and reduce speeding.
South Bend's cultural traditions are primarily influenced by its early French fur trading heritage.
Answer: False
Explanation: South Bend's cultural traditions are primarily influenced by its large influx of Polish Catholic immigrants in the late 19th century, reflected in celebrations like Dyngus Day.
The Studebaker National Museum primarily focuses on the history of presidential carriages, with a small section dedicated to automobiles.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Studebaker National Museum houses an extensive collection of wagons and automobiles, chronicling Studebaker's 150-year history, and *notably includes* presidential carriages, but it's not the primary focus with a small section for automobiles.
The Indiana University Civil Rights Heritage Center is located in a building that was once a segregated public swimming pool.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Indiana University Civil Rights Heritage Center is housed in the former Engman Public Natatorium, which was historically the city's first indoor swimming pool and was segregated for 28 years.
The Morris Performing Arts Center was originally built as a modern concert hall in the late 20th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Morris Performing Arts Center was built in 1922 and originally included the Palace Theater, a venue for vaudeville, not a modern concert hall in the late 20th century.
The East Race Waterway in South Bend is one of several artificial whitewater centers in Indiana.
Answer: False
Explanation: The East Race Waterway is notable as the *first* artificial whitewater center in North America and one of only four such operating facilities in the United States, implying it's unique in Indiana.
The South Bend Cubs are a Class A minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Since 2015, the South Bend minor league baseball team has been known as the South Bend Cubs, a Class A minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs in the Midwest League.
The Ballpark Synagogue is a newly constructed building designed to serve as a community center for South Bend's Jewish population.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Ballpark Synagogue is a 1901 synagogue building, not newly constructed, and it serves as the South Bend Cubs' team fan store, recognized as the nation's only ballpark synagogue.
The Potawatomi Zoo is the oldest zoo in Indiana, established in 1921.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Potawatomi Zoo is the *second* oldest zoo in Indiana, established in 1921.
Which cultural tradition is widely celebrated in South Bend, reflecting its Polish Catholic immigrant heritage?
Answer: Dyngus Day
Explanation: Dyngus Day is widely celebrated in South Bend, reflecting its significant Polish Catholic immigrant heritage.
What unique collection is a central feature of the Studebaker National Museum?
Answer: Presidential carriages and Studebaker wagons and automobiles
Explanation: The Studebaker National Museum houses an extensive collection of Studebaker wagons and automobiles, notably including presidential carriages.
The Indiana University Civil Rights Heritage Center is housed in a building that historically served what purpose?
Answer: A segregated public natatorium
Explanation: The Indiana University Civil Rights Heritage Center is housed in the former Engman Public Natatorium, which historically served as a segregated public swimming pool.
What famous film premiered at the Morris Performing Arts Center (then the Palace Theater) in 1940, starring Ronald Reagan?
Answer: Knute Rockne, All American
Explanation: The film *Knute Rockne, All American*, starring Ronald Reagan, premiered at the Morris Performing Arts Center (then the Palace Theater) in 1940.
What makes the East Race Waterway unique in North America?
Answer: It is the first artificial whitewater center.
Explanation: The East Race Waterway in South Bend is unique as the first artificial whitewater center in North America.
What is the current minor league baseball team in South Bend, and which MLB team is it affiliated with?
Answer: South Bend Cubs, Chicago Cubs
Explanation: The current minor league baseball team in South Bend is the South Bend Cubs, a Class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
What is the unique status of the Ballpark Synagogue in South Bend?
Answer: It is the nation's only ballpark synagogue.
Explanation: The Ballpark Synagogue in South Bend is uniquely recognized as the nation's only ballpark synagogue.
What is the historical significance of the Potawatomi Zoo in Indiana?
Answer: It is the second oldest zoo in Indiana.
Explanation: The Potawatomi Zoo is historically significant as the second oldest zoo in Indiana.
According to the 2020 United States census, South Bend was the second-most populous city in Indiana.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2020 United States census reported South Bend as the fourth-most populous city in Indiana, not the second-most.
The 'track elevation program' in South Bend was a minor project completed in 1929 to improve pedestrian walkways.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'track elevation program' was an extensive railroad infrastructure project, seventeen years in the making, that involved removing tracks and constructing Union Station, not a minor project for pedestrian walkways.
South Bend was recognized as a 'Bicycle-Friendly Community' in 2010 and has a long-term plan for an extensive bikeway network.
Answer: True
Explanation: South Bend was recognized as a 'Bicycle-Friendly Community' in 2010 by the League of American Bicyclists and has a long-term plan for a 116-mile South Bend Bikeway network.
Transpo, South Bend's public transportation system, has transitioned its fleet to entirely electric vehicles.
Answer: False
Explanation: Transpo has demonstrated environmental consciousness by switching to biodiesel fuel and adding compressed natural gas buses, but not by transitioning its fleet to entirely electric vehicles.
The South Bend International Airport received its international designation in 2014, leading to a name change from 'Regional Airport'.
Answer: True
Explanation: In April 2014, the South Bend International Airport changed its name from 'South Bend Regional Airport' after receiving International designation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
South Bend's innovative sewer system management, using intelligent sensors and cloud migration, saved the city an estimated $10 million in new sewage pipes.
Answer: False
Explanation: South Bend's innovative sewer system management saved the city an estimated *$100 million* in new sewage pipes, not $10 million.
The Bowman Creek initiative is a project focused solely on improving water quality in the St. Joseph River.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bowman Creek initiative focuses on revitalizing the Bowman Creek ecosystem, a tributary of the St. Joseph River, and also aims to improve surrounding neighborhoods, not solely the St. Joseph River's water quality.
South Bend experiences a tropical climate due to its proximity to Lake Michigan.
Answer: False
Explanation: South Bend has a humid continental climate, not a tropical climate, although Lake Michigan does influence its weather, particularly leading to lake-effect snow.
January is typically the snowiest month in South Bend, with snowfall recorded from October through April.
Answer: True
Explanation: January is typically the snowiest month in South Bend, and snowfall is normally recorded from October through April.
According to the 2013 American Community Survey, the most reported ancestry in South Bend was German.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to the 2013 American Community Survey, the most reported ancestry in South Bend was African-American (26%), followed by German (14.8%).
According to the 2020 United States census, what was South Bend's population?
Answer: 103,453 residents
Explanation: The 2020 United States census reported South Bend's population as 103,453 residents.
What was a key component of South Bend's 'track elevation program' completed in 1929?
Answer: Removal of Grand Trunk Western Railroad tracks from Division Street
Explanation: A key component of South Bend's 'track elevation program' completed in 1929 was the removal of Grand Trunk Western Railroad tracks from Division Street.
In what year was South Bend recognized as a 'Bicycle-Friendly Community' by the League of American Bicyclists?
Answer: 2010
Explanation: South Bend was recognized as a 'Bicycle-Friendly Community' by the League of American Bicyclists in 2010.
How has South Bend's public transportation system, Transpo, demonstrated environmental consciousness?
Answer: By switching its fleet to biodiesel fuel and adding compressed natural gas buses.
Explanation: Transpo has demonstrated environmental consciousness by switching its fleet to biodiesel fuel in 2006 and adding compressed natural gas buses in 2015.
What was the reason for the South Bend International Airport's name change in 2014?
Answer: After receiving International designation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Explanation: The South Bend International Airport changed its name in 2014 after receiving International designation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
What innovative technology did South Bend implement in 2008 to manage its sewer system?
Answer: An array of intelligent sensors and valves, migrating management to the cloud.
Explanation: In 2008, South Bend implemented an innovative sewer system management approach by installing intelligent sensors and valves and migrating management to the cloud.
The Bowman Creek initiative is a partnership primarily focused on revitalizing which specific ecosystem?
Answer: The Bowman Creek ecosystem, a tributary of the St. Joseph River
Explanation: The Bowman Creek initiative is primarily focused on revitalizing the Bowman Creek ecosystem, a tributary of the St. Joseph River.
What is the climate classification of South Bend, and what significant weather phenomenon is influenced by Lake Michigan?
Answer: Humid continental; lake-effect snow
Explanation: South Bend has a humid continental climate, and Lake Michigan significantly influences it, leading to lake-effect snow.
What is the average annual snowfall in South Bend?
Answer: 64.5 inches (164 cm)
Explanation: On average, South Bend receives 64.5 inches (164 cm) of snow per year.
According to the 2013 American Community Survey, which ancestry was most reported in South Bend?
Answer: African-American
Explanation: According to the 2013 American Community Survey, African-American (26%) was the most reported ancestry in South Bend.