History of Farmington Hills, Michigan

Early History

The area that is now Farmington Hills was originally home to the Potawatomi and Odawa peoples. French fur traders and missionaries began exploring the region in the late 17th century, establishing trading relationships with the Native Americans.

In 1819, Arthur Power received a land grant from the U.S. government for sections of what would become Farmington Hills. Additional settlers began moving into the area in 1824, clearing land for farming. The primary crops grown were wheat, oats, hay, apples, and potatoes.

In the 1830s, several sawmills were constructed along the Rouge River to process lumber. This spurred economic growth in the region. Transportation improvements like the construction of plank roads further connected Farmington Hills to Detroit and other markets.

Founding of Farmington

In 1827, Arthur Power plotted out the Village of Farmington along the Rouge River. The settlement continued to grow throughout the 19th century, attracting merchants, tradespeople, and professionals like doctors and lawyers.

Key landmarks established during this period:

• Farmington Masonic Temple – Built in 1865, it is the oldest operating lodge building in Michigan.
• Farmington Historic District – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this district contains homes and buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Farmington Area Historical Museum – Opened in 1974, the museum preserves local history through exhibits and educational programs.
• Governor Warner Mansion – This historic home was built in 1841 and was the residence of John Warner, who served as governor of Michigan from 1905-1911.

20th Century Developments

In the early 20th century, the automobile industry’s rise led to major population growth and land development in Farmington. The area became an attractive suburb for auto workers commuting to Detroit.

Key events in this era:

• 1925 – Farmington installs a dedicated police force and constructs its first village hall.
• 1950s – Postwar population boom leads to construction of many new subdivisions and schools.
• 1955 – Farmington Community Library opens.
• 1958 – Farmington Hills Golf Club established.
• 1959 – Farmington Raceway harness racing track opens.

Incorporation of Farmington Hills

As Farmington rapidly expanded in the 1950s and 60s, parts of Farmington Township began developing their own unique community identity. This led to an effort to incorporate as a separate city.

On January 10, 1973, Farmington Hills officially became incorporated through a voter referendum. The first city council was elected in April 1973.

The new city pursued planned growth and development. Early priorities included improving roads, expanding water and sewer systems, developing industrial zones, and constructing a civic center complex.

Recent Developments

Over the last few decades, Farmington Hills has evolved into a major suburb with a diverse economy:

• Top employers include Trinity Health, Bosch, and Farm Bureau Insurance.
• It is home to several corporate headquarters like Learning Care Group and Penske Corporation.
• Many high tech firms are located in research/office parks in the city.
• Strong school districts and family amenities make it an attractive residential community.
• The city has a vibrant public art program and many community events at venues like the Costick Center.
• Farmington Hills maintains over 1,100 acres of parkland and nature areas.

Some key projects and milestones:

• 1987 – Founders Sports Park opens, with facilities for baseball, soccer, hockey.
• 1993 – Farmington Hills Public Library built.
• 2003 – City Center complex completed as new home for city services.
• 2007 – Jon Grant Community Center constructed.
• 2011 – Sawmill Creek environmental area opens.
• 2018 – Power Road and other infrastructure upgrades.

Going forward, Farmington Hills aims to continue providing excellent city services and amenities to maintain high quality of life. Sustainable development, historic preservation, and technological innovation are priorities for the future.

Early Pioneers and Settlers

The first non-Native American settlers began moving into what is now Farmington Hills in the 1820s. These pioneering individuals and families played a key role in founding and developing the community:

• Arthur Power – Acquired a government land grant in 1819 and brought his family to the area in 1824. Plotted the village of Farmington.
• Amos Mead – Arrived in 1825, building a log cabin and clearing land to farm. Elected the first town clerk.
• Jeremiah Simmons – Opened the first store in Farmington in 1828, selling goods he transported from Detroit.
• Elijah Willets – Constructed a sawmill along the Rouge River in 1834 to process lumber.
• Moses Willets – Son of Elijah, he opened a general store and became postmaster in 1835.
• Azel Mead – Son of Amos Mead, he opened a tavern in 1838 which became a stagecoach stop and community gathering place.
• Dr. Joseph Crane – One of Farmington’s first physicians, he began practicing medicine in the village in 1840.
• John Quincy Adams Warner – Served as Michigan’s governor 1905-1911. Lived in Farmington’s historic Warner Mansion.

These early pioneers overcame challenges like harsh winters, difficult farming conditions, isolation, and lack of infrastructure to build the foundations of the community. Their perseverance and entrepreneurship enabled later generations to enjoy the benefits of living in Farmington Hills.

Native American History

For hundreds of years before European settlement, the ancestral homelands of Native American tribes lay in the area now occupied by Farmington Hills.

The two main tribes were:

• Potawatomi – Known as the “Keepers of the Fire,” they moved into the region from the East Coast and Great Lakes in the 1600s-1700s. They lived in autonomous villages and subsisted by farming, hunting, fishing and gathering.
• Odawa – Part of the Council of Three Fires alliance with the Potawatomi and Ojibwe. Skilled traders and fishermen, they controlled extensive trade networks around the Great Lakes.

Native people inhabited temporary and seasonal camps in the Farmington Hills vicinity rather than permanent settlements. They gathered food from animal hunting, fishing the rivers and small lakes, and harvesting wild grains and produce.

Important archaeological sites found in the city include:

• Bell Site – Discovered in the 1930s, it revealed tools and artifacts dating back over 10,000 years.
• Schultz Site – Excavated in the 1950s, uncovering graves, ceramics, hunting implements and evidence of Native farming.
• Harrison Site – Found in 2013 during road construction. Contains remains of multiple ancient campsites.

As European settlers increasingly moved into Michigan in the 1800s, Native Americans were forcibly removed to reservations in West Michigan and Oklahoma. Nevertheless, their ancient heritage is an integral part of Farmington Hills’ history.

Agriculture and Farming

Agriculture has played a vital role throughout Farmington Hills’ history, beginning with the earliest pioneer settlers in the 1820s-1830s.

Common crops grown in the 19th and early 20th centuries included:

• Wheat – The most profitable cash crop, though yields fluctuated. Used for flour and baking.
• Oats and hay – Grown as livestock feed. Supported dairy farming.
• Corn – Both a food staple and fed to horses, hogs and chickens.
• Apples – Orchards thrived in the temperate climate. Apple cider was popular.
• Potatoes – An essential food source, many cellars stored potatoes through the winter.

Innovations like the steel plow, mechanical reaper and improved fertilizers increased productivity. But farming remained labor-intensive.

Many families operated diversified farms, raising crops along with sheep, cattle, pigs and poultry. Farm production provided food, materials and income.

Agricultural fairs and groups like the Farmington Agricultural Society promoted innovation. The society organized one of Michigan’s first fairs in 1868.

After World War II, remaining farmland rapidly disappeared as population growth led to suburban development. Today, small specialty farms carry on Farmington Hills’ agricultural traditions.

Historic Homes and Architecture

As one of Detroit’s earliest suburbs, Farmington Hills contains wonderful examples of historic homes and architecture:

• Greek Revival – Distinguished by columns and triangular pediments. The Governor Warner Mansion (1841) is a prime example.
• Gothic Revival – Featuring decorative tracery and steep gables. The Masonic Temple (1865) displays this style.
• Italianate – Marked by low-pitched roofs, tall narrow windows and ornamental brackets. See the Carlisle/Cahill House (1870s)
• Queen Anne – Characterized by asymmetrical facades, wrap-around porches, and decorative detailing. Residences on Shiawassee St showcase this style.
• Colonial Revival – Echoes early American colonial architecture using columns, dormers and front doors with fanlights. Warner House (1907) provides an illustration.
• Tudor Revival – Defined by steeply pitched roofs, stucco and half-timbering. Example is the Alfred White House (1928).
• Bungalows – Dominant residential style of the early 1900s. Compact footprints with sloped roofs and front porches. Neighborhoods along Farmington Rd and Shiawassee St contain excellent specimens.

Farmington Hills’ historic architecture provides insights into the community’s heritage and development patterns. Preserving these buildings is an important priority going forward.

Automobile Industry Impact

The rise of the automobile industry in Detroit brought major changes to Farmington Hills in the early 20th century.

As car production skyrocketed, Detroit needed suburbs where auto workers could live. Farmington Hills’ proximity made it an ideal location.

New subdivisions were rapidly built to house the influx of workers. Infrastructure like roads, water lines and sewers expanded.

Businesses oriented towards serving commuters developed, like gas stations, repair shops and diners.

Automobile ownership increased, bringing mobility and transforming lifestyles. Interurban rail lines also connected to Detroit.

The growing population provided a workforce and customer base. Commercial districts grew along Farmington Road and other major routes.

Car factories were also built within Farmington Hills, including:

• Murray Body Company – Produced auto bodies from the 1920s-1950s. Employed over 1,000 workers.
• Cadillac Factory #17 – Opened in 1948 manufacturing parts and frames.
• Dodge Truck Plant – Operated from 1951-1980, occupying over 100 acres.

The auto industry drove Farmington Hills’ transition from a rural town to a suburban city. Automobile companies and workers have remained integral to the city’s economy and identity.

Historic Districts

Farmington Hills contains several historic districts recognizing key areas representing the city’s heritage:

Downtown Farmington Historic District

• Roughly bounded by Shiawassee, Thomas, Oakland & Farmington.
• Contains 19th century commercial buildings and Victorian-era houses.
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Warner Mansion Grounds Historic District

• Warner Mansion and surrounding estate on Farmington Rd.
• Home of Michigan Governor Fred Warner from 1841-74.
• Designated a historic district in 1979.

Farmington State Savings Bank

• 33301 Grand River Ave.

-1930s Moderne-style bank building.

-Listed as a Michigan Historic Site.

Farmington Masonic Temple

-23715 Farmington Rd.

-Built in 1865 in Greek Revival architecture.

-Oldest continuously operating Masonic site in Michigan.

Protecting these important historic sites through preservation ordinances and zoning helps maintain Farmington Hills’ unique identity and small town roots as the community continues to evolve.

Cultural Institutions and Facilities

Farmington Hills offers excellent cultural institutions and facilities that contribute to the community’s quality of life:

Longacre House

• Operated by the Farmington Historical Society as a museum and cultural center. Built in 1847.

Costick Center

• City-run community center hosting art exhibits, classes and events.

Farmington Musicale

• Organizes free monthly concerts September through May. Founded in 1931.

Farmington Civic Theater

• Run by the Farmington Players, staging productions since the 1940s.

Farmington Hills Public Library

• Main branch and two smaller locations provide resources, books, media, programs.

Farmington Central High Sundquist Pavilion

• Historic auditorium renovated in the 1980s. Used for plays and concerts.

Heritage Park

• Features the historic Munger Barn along with outdoor sculpture and art.

Breithaupt Family Scout Park

• Amphitheater built through Eagle Scout projects hosts summer concerts.

These assets help foster culture, education, and appreciation for the arts, preserving Farmington Hills’ heritage while enriching the lives of all who live, work, and visit the community.

Demographic Changes

From its beginnings as a small farming village, Farmington Hills has undergone major demographic shifts over its history:

19th Century

• Settled by English, Irish and German immigrants seeking cheap farmland. Population reached 500 by 1875.

Early 20th Century

• Growth of auto industry leads to influx of European immigrants, expanding population.

1940s-50s

• Postwar boom brings rapid suburbanization. Population doubles from 3,000 in 1940 to over 6,000 in 1950.

1960s-70s

• Transition to a commuter suburb is completed. Population exceeds 30,000 by 1970.

1980s-90s

• Continued growth brings increased white collar workers and growing diversity.

21st Century

• Population stabilizes around 80,000. New Asian and Middle Eastern immigrants continue increasing diversity.

Going forward, accommodating and integrating different ages, incomes, and ethnicities poses an ongoing challenge to maintain high quality of life as the community evolves.

Local Newspapers

Local newspapers have chronicled Farmington Hills’ changes, promoted development, and connected residents for over a century:

Farmington Enterprise

• Founded in 1869. Published weekly until closing in 1983.

Farmington Press

• Published in the 1940s-50s. Predecessor of the Farmington Observer.

Farmington/Farmington Hills Observer

• Formed in 1962 from merger of local papers. Published weekly.

Hometown Gazette

• Weekly paper launched in 1983 with emphasis on local news.

Farmington Voice

• Launched 2009. Online daily news site for Farmington/Farmington Hills.

Through their coverage of local government, businesses, schools, events, and people, these newspapers wove together stories capturing Farmington Hills’ evolution from a farming village to modern suburb.

Today, local news faces challenges from national conglomeration of media ownership and competition from digital sources. But continuing to foster independent, community-connected news sources remains vital.

Retail and Business Development

Retail and commercial development has been a constant thread through Farmington Hills’ history, driving economic growth:

1800s

• Businesses sprout along Grand River serving farmers and stagecoaches.

1900 – 1945

• Automobile boom spurs gas stations, restaurants and shops along thoroughfares.

1945 – 1970

• Retail clusters rise near newly built subdivisions. Regional malls open.

1970 – 2000

• Nat’l chains open along Northwestern Hwy and Grand River. Office/tech centers develop.

2000 – Today

• Internet cuts retail demand. New types of businesses emerge in adapted spaces.

Major corridors and centers include:

• Grand River Avenue – Evolving from wagon trail to highway, the river road remains a backbone.
• Farmington Road – Downtown retains unique local flavor, while corridor redevelops.
• Northwestern Highway – Postwar commercial strip now rebuilding.
• Haggerty & 12 Mile – Newer intersection of office parks and big box retail.

Adapting economic development strategies to match evolving industries and consumer demand will shape Farmington Hills’ future. Respect for the community’s heritage can complement new opportunities.

Historic Interurban Rail

In early 20th century America, interurban rail lines proliferated as an important transportation system. Farmington Hills was connected via two interurban routes:

Detroit United Railway

• Ran along Orchard Lake Rd. Opened 1902, closed 1932.
• Connected Detroit to Pontiac and Flint with various suburban stops.
• Provided commuter access to Detroit and carried freight.

Toledo & Detroit Interurban Railway

• Operated along Grand River. Opened 1906, closed 1930.
• Ran between Detroit and Howell. Stopped at Farmington Rd.
• Brought workers and shoppers to Farmington. Baggage could be shipped.

At their peak, busy interurban cars departed every hour, providing mobility. The lines declined as motor travel increased. Remaining right-of-way acted as division strips shaping Farmington Hills’ development patterns before being built over.