MISHAWAKA

city, St. Joseph county, northern Indiana, U.S. It lies along the St. Joseph River, just east of South Bend. Laid out in 1833, it probably derived its name from the Potawatomi word for country of dead trees. Discoveries of bog iron immediately following the initial settlement attracted industry and workers to the site. Several thousand Belgian immigrants after World War I formed a substantial Flemish-speaking community in the city. Mishawaka is an industrial centre with manufactures including rubber, plastic, food products, power-transmission units, electrical and heavy machinery, structural steel, foundry equipment, and missiles. Bethel College (1947) is operated by the Missionary Church. There are recreation facilities on the St. Joseph River and nearby lakes. Inc. 1899. Pop. (1990) city, 42,608; South BendMishawaka MSA, 247,052.