Gary, IN: The Great American Wasteland Gary is the tragic capitol of the midwestern rust belt. This city, once a vibrant metropolis, has fallen victim to the decline of American industry, particularly the steel mills that line the coast of Lake Michigan. Many of the grand buildings that were constructed during the steel boom are still (barely) standing. Most of them have been abandoned for many years and are in advanced states of decay. One such building is Gary Methodist Church. It was build with the assistance of the U.S. Steel corporation in 1926. In 1997, a fire gutted the church and the attached nine story building. It has been abandoned ever since and nature has gradually taken over. Other buildings featured in this gallery include the Old Gary Post Office and the immense State Theater. Prints are available by clicking the "Buy" button over each picture.