In the captivating video “Exploring the Ruins of Gary, Indiana” by Joe & Nic’s Road Trip, the viewer is taken on a journey through the once-thriving city. With a population decline from 180,000 to 69,000, Gary is now known for its abandoned structures and high poverty rates. The video showcases the decay of buildings on Broadway, the main street, as well as the contrasting signs of life with modern new housing. The narrator also visits significant sites like the City Methodist Church and highlights the childhood home of Michael Jackson. Throughout the video, viewers are encouraged to share their thoughts and comments on what they have seen. So, prepare to witness the haunting beauty of Gary, Indiana and join the discussion on the city’s troubled past and potential future.
Exploring the Ruins of Gary, Indiana
Introduction
Welcome to Gary, Indiana! In this comprehensive article, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the city and its current state. Known as one of the most dangerous cities in the USA, Gary has a history that is both fascinating and heartbreaking. From its foundation by a steel mill company to its subsequent decline, we’ll explore the ruins, the demographics, and the challenges the city faces today. So, join us as we dive into the captivating story of Gary, Indiana.
Brief History of Gary, Indiana
Gary, Indiana was founded in the early 1900s by a steel mill company. It was named after Albert Henry Gary, the man who ran the steel mill. The town thrived while the steel mill was successful, becoming a major city with a population of 180,000. However, when the steel mill collapsed, the town experienced a subsequent decline. Today, only 69,000 people remain in Gary, and much of the city lies in ruins.
Current State of Gary
Gary’s current state is one of devastation and decline. The population has significantly decreased, with 61% of residents leaving the city. As a result, many structures have been abandoned, yielding around 13,000 abandoned buildings, including homes. These structures serve as stark reminders of the city’s struggles and challenges.
Demographics of Gary
The demographics of Gary paint a picture of a city facing significant socio-economic challenges. The poverty rate in Gary stands at 32%, which is higher than the national average. Even more concerning is that 54% of children in the city live at or below the poverty line. The median age of residents is 37, with a gender breakdown of 54% female and 46% male. Additionally, a significant number of females in the city are widows.
Main Street Decay
One notable aspect of Gary’s current state is the decay of its main street, Broadway. As you drive through the city, you’ll notice a stark contrast between the bustling activity of yesteryears and the now-empty buildings and decaying infrastructure. The once-thriving main street has fallen victim to neglect, providing a chilling reminder of the city’s decline.
Marital Status and Poverty
One striking statistic about Gary is the low marriage rate. Only 30% of the city’s population is married, compared to the national average of 50%. This discrepancy points to the numerous socio-economic challenges the city faces. With a poverty rate of 32%, the financial strain likely contributes to the lower rate of marriage in Gary.
Racial Breakdown and Income Disparity
Gary’s population is predominantly Black, with 78% of residents identifying as African American. The remaining population consists of 9% Hispanic, 10% White, and 3% other. Along with racial disparities, income disparity is also prevalent in Gary. The per capita income in the city is $19,500, which is significantly lower than the national average of $38,300. The median household income in Gary is $34,100, compared to the US average of $69,700. These numbers reflect the financial challenges faced by residents in the city.
Crime Rates in Gary
Gary is unfortunately notorious for its high crime rates. The overall crime rate in the city is 4,100 per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,300. Particularly worrying is the high homicide/murder rates in Gary. In fact, Gary has one of the highest murder rates among the 75 largest cities in the US. If included with cities over 100,000 people, Gary would take the top spot for the highest murder rate.
Famous Abandoned Buildings
While exploring the ruins of Gary, you can’t miss the famous abandoned buildings that serve as haunting reminders of the city’s past glory. One such structure is the City Methodist Church, built in 1926. It was once the largest church in the Midwest but has been empty since the 1970s. The Gothic architecture and grandeur of the building stand in stark contrast to its current state of decay. There are also other fascinating and eerie abandoned buildings like the Palace Theater that showcases the city’s history.
Signs of Life in the City
Despite its challenges, Gary does have signs of life and hope. As you explore the city, you’ll notice modern new housing developments that demonstrate the city’s resilient spirit. These new housing projects provide glimpses of a brighter future and show that progress is possible even in the face of adversity. Additionally, some residential streets are well-maintained, offering a pleasant contrast to the decaying parts of the city.
Michael Jackson’s Childhood Home
While in Gary, it’s impossible to overlook the significance of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, who grew up in the city. His childhood home on Jackson Street still stands today, serving as a symbol of greatness coming from humble beginnings. The house, with its two bedrooms and one bathroom, belonged to the Jacksons, a large family. Though small, the house holds immense historical value and stands as a reminder of the talent that emerged from Gary.
Description of the Neighborhood
The neighborhood where Michael Jackson’s childhood home is located has its distinct charm. Bright neon signs, like the one with the word “Jesus,” add a touch of character to the streets. Broadway, the main street in the neighborhood, showcases the decline and decay of buildings and infrastructure, providing a poignant snapshot of the city’s struggle.
Local Attractions
Despite its challenges, Gary still has some attractions worth visiting. One such attraction is the RailCats, a local semi-pro baseball park. Described as beautiful and new, the RailCats park offers a glimpse of enjoyment and leisure amidst the surrounding decay. It serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, communities can come together to create spaces for recreation and enjoyment.
Post-Apocalyptic Areas
As you explore Gary, you’ll come across areas that look post-apocalyptic, notably with large houses reminiscent of Detroit’s urban decay. These areas paint a picture of a city in desperate need of revitalization. The contrast between these devastated areas and the well-kept middle-class homes serves as a stark reminder of the disparities within the city.
Contrast between Devastation and Well-Kept Homes
One of the most striking contrasts in Gary is the juxtaposition between areas of devastation and ruins and the well-kept middle-class homes. While some parts of the city lay in ruins, others show signs of prosperity and maintenance. This contrast highlights the uneven distribution of resources and the challenges residents face when trying to improve their surroundings.
Viewer Participation and Comments
As we conclude our exploration of Gary, we would love to hear your thoughts and read your comments. What did you think of the city and its current state? How do you think these challenges can be addressed? Share your experiences and opinions as we continue to learn from each other and build a better understanding of the world we live in.
Conclusion
Gary, Indiana is a city with a rich history and a complex present. From its foundation by a steel mill company to its subsequent collapse, Gary has faced numerous challenges over the years. Today, the city is grappling with high poverty rates, abandoned structures, and high crime rates. However, there are signs of hope and resilience in the form of new housing developments and well-kept residential streets. As we leave Gary, we invite you to join us on our next adventure as we head to Ohio, continuing our exploration of the diverse and captivating landscapes of America.