[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 91 (Thursday, May 14, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2449-S2450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  200TH ANNIVERSARY OF OAKLAND COUNTY

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
200th anniversary of my home, Oakland County, MI. Established March 28, 
1820, and situated just north of Detroit in southeastern Michigan, 
Oakland County has, over the past 200 years, transformed from a small 
rural settlement to a thriving economic hub.
  On January 11, 1805, Congress established the Michigan Territory, but 
nearly a decade later the area remained largely unsettled due to the 
reputation that it was too wild, even for the heartiest of pioneers. 
The territory began to modernize and attract settlers under the strong 
leadership of Governor Lewis Cass, appointed in 1813 by President James 
Madison as a reward for his military service in the War of 1812. Avon 
Township, now Rochester and Rochester Hills, became the first area 
settled in Oakland County thanks to a settlers from New England, New 
York, and southern Canada. Governor Cass requested the remaining 
territory carefully surveyed, which revealed a bounty of fertile land 
ripe for settlement in the area now known as Pontiac. Therefore, on 
March 28, 1820, Cass established Oakland County and designated the 
central city of Pontiac--no more than a day's journey from any point in 
the county--as county seat. In this newly established seat, Cass 
allocated land to erect a courthouse, jail, cemetery, market, 
schoolhouse, and several churches. At this time, Oakland County had a 
population of 330.
  It is crucial to recognize the inhabitation and development of the 
land prior to the arrival of European settlers. Native Americans from 
the Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi Tribes, collectively known as the 
Anishinaabe, occupied the region for thousands of years prior. Early 
European explorers to Michigan recorded the Anishinaabe development of 
the land, noting their key paths and roadways. When forming the county, 
settlers continued to use and build upon these thoroughfares, many of 
which still exist to this day. The Shiawassee Trail is now Shiawassee 
Street in Farmington; Saginaw Trail is part of Dixie Highway; and Grand 
River Trail is now US 16. The Anishinaabe indisputably shaped the 
current landscape of Oakland County and its trade and travel routes.
  Today, 200 years since Governor Cass established Oakland County, I 
recognize its transformation from a rural community to the home of 62 
cities, townships, and villages, 11 colleges and universities, and a 
center for industrial and technological development. The economy 
employs over 650,000 workers, with the largest industries being 
manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and professional, 
scientific, and technical services. In addition to its robust private 
sector, Oakland County is

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the base for over 11,000 nonprofit organizations. But what truly makes 
Oakland County unique are the parks, museums, beaches, downtowns, and 
theaters enjoyed by the diverse population of residents from all 
backgrounds, faiths, and identities.
  As a fifth-generation Michigander living in Oakland County, I am 
honored to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the rich history 
of the region as well as this significant milestone. I wish Oakland 
County continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

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