Here, on the banks of the once-mighty St. Joseph River, Bristol's simple buildings stand as a monument to the Indiana of nearly one hundred and seventy years ago. The population of this small community ranged between 500 and 700 from 1850 to 1950, but increased to 900 in 1960, and then to 1,110 in 1970. Now, there are about 1,300 enthusiastic citizens, a number that has remained steady the last few years.
Residents consider their peaceful way of life one of the area's best kept secrets.
For tourists, Bristol remains a friendly stop on the highway to somewhere else. But it is a pleasant place to visit and linger among the many landmarks that showcase a way of life that once dominated the American lifestyle. It's well worth the trip.