Royal Oak, Michigan was first established in 1819 when state explorers discovered an impressive oak with a trunk much wider than most. This majestic site is one of the reasons why Royal Oak eventually flourished from a small village into becoming a city by 1921, largely as a result of the emergence of automotive jobs in the early 1900s. The Orson Starr House, listed on both Michigan’s State Register of Historic Sites and the National Trust for Historic Preservation’ “Save America’s Treasures” program pays homage to the area’s founding settlers and serves as a reminder of Royal Oak’s unique heritage.
Orson Starr and His Home
The Orson Starr House is a reminder of the early settlers who came to Royal Oak and made their homes. Agriculture was the main occupation at that time, but the advent of the railroad brought logging, milling, and other industries. Many of these settlers migrated from New York, including Orson Starr, Royal Oak’s first manufacturer of cowbells. In 1845, he created his wooden frame home using architectural styles popular at the time, such as Greek Revival. This historic home still stands today on Main Street and has been listed in Michigan’s State Register of Historic Sites. Furthermore, it has received the prestigious designation of “Save America’s Treasures” from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Exploration of Michigan Territory
The exploration of Michigan territory by Governor Lewis Cass and his party in 1819 was met with skepticism, as land surveyors had previously deemed the area uninhabitable. However, upon reaching a desirable area near the intersections of Main, Rochester, and Crooks Roads, they encountered a stately oak tree with a trunk much wider than most. In honor of the legend of King Charles II taking sanctuary under a royal oak tree in 1660, Governor Cass christened the tree the ‘Royal Oak.’ It is this courageous expedition and the discerning eye of Governor Cass that brought about the birth of Royal Oak.
Early History of Royal Oak
Royal Oak has a long and proud history of growth and development. In the early 1900s, when it was still just a small village, Royal Oak had only a few hundred residents. However, by the 1910s Royal Oak’s population had grown to over 1,000 due in part to new job opportunities created by the burgeoning auto industry. By 1921, Royal Oak was ready to take the next step and become a city. Its population had surged to over 6,000, making it the ideal time for incorporation.
Development of Woodward Avenue
Royal Oak’s accessibility was enhanced with the development of Woodward Avenue (M-1), a 28-mile super highway connecting 10 communities from the Detroit River north to downtown Pontiac. This replaced the old Indian road, Saginaw Trail, and earned the honorary designation of Michigan Heritage Route due to its historical and cultural significance. In 1989, 1-696 was completed on the southern border of Royal Oak, positioning the city centrally within Southeast Michigan and enabling merchants and city government to breathe new life into the city’s downtown.
Royal Oak has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its 200-year history from an unexplored and uninhabited parcel of land to the bustling suburb of Detroit it is today. Names like Orson Starr serve as reminders of the city’s intrepid settlers, and the stout royal oak tree serves as a reminder of roots. In less than a century, Royal Oak grew exponentially due to automotive development and industries that brought employment opportunities, slowly cementing itself as both a historical jewel among Michigan cities and a dynamic community within the US.
