National Register Listing

Botsford Inn

28000 Grand River Ave., Farmington, MI
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce transportation architecture gravesites
Michigan is known for its many lighthouses, with over 120 lighthouses located along its Great Lakes shoreline. Many of these lighthouses are still in operation today and are popular tourist destinations.
Michigan random facts
Oakland County, located in the southeastern part of Michigan, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, such as the Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Huron peoples. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, with the first permanent settlement established in what is now Pontiac in 1818.

During the 19th century, Oakland County saw rapid growth and development. The construction of the Clinton River and Oakland Plank Roads in the 1840s and the arrival of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad in the 1850s helped facilitate transportation and economic prosperity. Agriculture, logging, and mining were key industries during this time, with farming becoming the dominant livelihood for many residents.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Oakland County transform into a major industrial hub. The rise of the automobile industry in nearby Detroit had a significant impact on the county, leading to the establishment of numerous automotive suppliers. The county also experienced suburbanization, as more people moved out of the overcrowded city and into the expanding neighborhoods of Oakland County.

Today, Oakland County is known for its vibrant communities, excellent schools, and robust economy. It has become one of the wealthiest counties in the United States, attracting businesses and residents from all over. The county continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to balance urban development with the preservation of its natural beauty and historical sites.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Oakland County, Michigan.

  • 1819 - Oakland County is officially established by the Michigan Territorial Legislature
  • 1820 - The first county seat is established in Pontiac
  • 1827 - The first courthouse is built in Pontiac
  • 1831 - The village of Auburn is founded
  • 1843 - The Michigan State Fair is held in Auburn Hills for the first time
  • 1850 - The villages of Waterford and White Lake are established
  • 1862 - The Detroit and Bay City Railroad reaches Pontiac, boosting economic development
  • 1875 - The city of Royal Oak is incorporated
  • 1928 - Construction of the Highland Park Ford Plant begins
  • 1950 - Population of Oakland County exceeds 500,000
  • 1967 - The Detroit riots have an impact on Oakland County, leading to an increase in suburbanization
  • 1970 - The Detroit Lions football team moves to Pontiac and becomes the Detroit Lions
  • 1985 - The Palace of Auburn Hills, an indoor sports and entertainment venue, opens
  • 2000 - Oakland County reaches a population of over 1 million
  • 2013 - The city of Pontiac files for bankruptcy