Oakland County

Oakland County was officially organized on January 12, 1819 when Michigan Governor Lewis Cass issued a proclamation establishing the new county's boundaries. The Pontiac Company offered to contribute both property and money to the establishment of a county seat in Pontiac, a central location no more than a day's journey from any point in the County.

With the County seat established in Pontiac, the County was divided into two townships. The northern section was Oakland Township and the southern section would be Bloomfield Township. In 1827, Oakland County was further divided into five townships: Farmington, Bloomfield, Troy, Oakland and Pontiac.

Image file Map of Oakland County - 1895 (small)

Image file Map of Oakland County - 1872 (large)

Ferndale

Ferndale is 3.9 square miles and is located in Oakland County. Ferndale was declared a village in 1918 and as a city in 1927. The reason for the name Ferndale is because the area was overgrown with ferns.

Pontiac

Pontiac is located 25 miles north of Detroit and is considered part of the Detroit metropolitan area but has a distinct character of its own.

Named for the great Ottawa Indian chief who summered nearby, Pontiac was established in 1818 where the old Pontiac Trail crossed the Clinton River. The city developed and became the center of a major wagon and carriage making industry in the 1880s. What began as the Pontiac Spring Wagon Works is now known as General Motors.

Below is a picture of the First Presbyterian Church of Pontiac, Michigan.

First Presbyterian Church of Pontiac, Michigan

Royal Oak

In 1818, Governor Lewis Cass camped under a huge oak tree in the area. He named the place after recalling the story of the Royal Oak in Scotland under which the Pretender to the throne hid to escape his pursuers.

Located in the most southeastern portion of Oakland County, Royal Oak was incorporated as a city in 1921.