When the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad laid plans to
construct a rail line through Adams County, two farmers offered a proposition: they would
donate land to the railroad in exchange for the building of a rail depot in the small
community. The railroad companies agreed, and the farmers quickly plotted 10 building lots
in anticipation of what was to come - more settlers! On Christmas Day, 1871, the first
train arrived. This historical event marked the beginning of Berne, which was officially
recorded as a community soon after.
A steady stream of Swiss and German people came into the
area from that train, as did English-speaking migrants, some of which became successful
businessmen in the new community. They contributed immensely in the growth of Berne.
Today, Berne consists of 4,150 people and continues to
increase its steady business and industrial expansion. But, at the same time, it has
retained its small-town pace and friendliness, as well as its moral values which were bred
in Europe and later expanded on the wilderness frontier. These values include a strong
work ethic, pride in home ownership and family ties, and religious dedications.