South Bend in St. Joseph County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Studebaker Corporation
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 1, 2025
1. The Studebaker Corporation Marker, Side One
The company began building electric and gas-fueled automobiles in the early 1900s. A new, modern factory was constructed here in the 1920s. Studebaker also met the demand for military vehicles for many major U.S. conflicts. Recognized for innovative designs like the Starliner Hardtop and the Avanti, it remained an independent automaker until the plant closed in 1963.
Erected 2025 by Indiana Historical Bureau William S. Pomeroy Foundation Studebaker National Museum Kevin and Sue Smith, in memory of Nancy Lea Jones Pfahler. (Marker Number 71.2024.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 41° 40.055′ N, 86° 15.212′ W. Marker is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Studebaker Guard House (a few steps from this marker); The Sons of Israel Synagogue (approx. 0.3 miles away); Take Me Out to the Ball Game (approx. 0.3 miles away); Robertson's Department Store (approx. half a mile away); Studebaker Plaza (approx. half a mile away); Studebaker Blacksmith Shop and Carriage Factory Site (approx. half a mile away); We Shall Overcome (approx. 0.6 miles away); J. Chester and Elizabeth Allen (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Bend.
Also see . . .
1. The Studebaker History. A brief timeline of key moments from the company's history. (The Studebaker National Museum) (Submitted on November 17, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. The Studebaker Story Vol. I: The First Hundred Years (YouTube). Presented by the Studebaker Corporation and directed by Seymour Friedman, The Studebaker Story, Vol. 1 The First Hundred Years is a short 1953 film that gives viewers a quick look at the history of the Studebaker family and their rise from making wagons to producing quality
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 1, 2025
2. The Studebaker Corporation Marker, Side Two
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 1, 2025
3. The Studebaker Corporation Marker
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 1, 2025
4. Guardhouse at Studebaker's South Bend factory
It was disassembled and saved amid the demolition of the former Studebaker plant in the late 2000s. Volunteers later rebuilt and restored the 122-square-foot building. The marker is behind it.
History of the Studebaker Corporation, Albert Russel Erskine (1924); via Google Books (Public Domain), circa 1910
5. Studebaker Plants, South Bend
At its peak, it encompassed more than 100 separate buildings, from small guard houses to enormous fabrication facilities.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 17, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
