Super 8 Motel - Goshen

Goshen - The Center of It All

by Ischyros

The Center Of It All, Goshen's motto refers mostly to its location in the center of Amish country. Having grown up in this city and spending 20-some years there, I know how much it has grown and yet somehow I've ended up back here after a several-year absense. During the late 80s and through the 90s Goshen experienced a major growth spurt that saw two Wal-Marts added and more recently, retailers such as Target, Kohls, Office Max, and Pier One Imports have found the city plus more restaurants such as Applebees, Buffalo Wild Wings, and soon to be an IHOP. But that doesn't mean Goshen has completely forgotten its roots. There are still many locally-owned shops downtown and in the Old Bag Factory, and many local or regional restaurants as well.

The growth spurt Goshen experienced is still being dealt with. Traffic is the biggest complaint you will hear. The town of 30,000 people has traffic that would clog roads in a city of 50,000+. But because the most congested roads are state highways, the blame can't be put entirely on Goshen. The state of Indiana has just been slow to realize what a pain it can be to traverse Goshen.

Goshen is also extremely ethically diverse. The most recent census (2000) revealed 26% of Goshen's residents are of hispanic origin. Thus there are many Spanish and Mexican stores and several Mexican resturants. The local movie theater even offers Jalapeno salt for popcorn.

Goshen, Indiana

by sambarnett

Incorporated in 1854, this city, the seat of Elkhart County, was settled by Mennonite farmers from Ohio and Pennsylvania. The name "Goshen" derives from the New York state hometown of early settler Oliver Crane. Primarily an argricultural trade center, Goshen also boasts Goshen College, a four year liberal arts college run by the Mennonite church that holds the distinction of be the first US undergraduate institution to negociate a student exchange program with the People's Republic of China.