East Chicago

East Chicago is a city in Lake County, Indiana, positioned along the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal with access to Lake Michigan and regional transport routes. The place covers an area of roughly 41 square kilometers (16 square miles) and consists of several residential neighborhoods surrounding the harbor zone.

The founding of Inland Steel in 1903 transformed this area from swampland into an industrial hub, drawing thousands of workers from Europe, Mexico, and the American South. The place developed rapidly through the early 20th century with steel production and harbor expansion.

The city takes its name from its position east of Chicago, though it sits entirely within Indiana rather than Illinois. Visitors today notice neighborhoods where traces of different immigrant groups appear in churches, shops, and community centers.

Visitors can learn about public services and non-emergency matters through the ECWORKS 311 mobile application, which links directly to city departments. The harbor area and industrial zones have limited public access and often require permits.

Indiana Harbor handles millions of tons of raw materials each year and serves as a central point for regional steel production. Ships from Lake Michigan bring iron ore and coal directly to the smelting facilities along the canal.

Location: Lake County

Inception: 1893

Elevation above the sea: 180 m

Part of: Chicago metropolitan area

Website: https://eastchicago.com

GPS coordinates: 41.63890,-87.46220

Latest update: December 17, 2025 07:34