County: Oakland (63)
Created from:
Boundary finalized:
Population: 1900 = 9999 | 2000 = 9999
Oakland County, Michigan was founded in 1819 by Territorial Governor Lewis Cass. The county was originally twice its current size. As the population increased, other counties were formed from its land. In 1837, when Michigan became a state, Oakland County was at its current size.
The first European settlement in Oakland County was Rochester, which was founded in 1818. The Detroit and Pontiac Railroad and Woodward Avenue helped draw settlers to the area in the 1840s.
Oakland County is home to almost 1.3 million people in 62 cities, villages, and townships. The county government provides services such as law enforcement, courts, parks, property records, election administration, public health, and social services.
Oakland County is likely named after the oak trees that early settlers found in the region. [GGAI]
