Oakland
County began as
a settlement where the Saginaw
Trail crossed the Clinton
River in 1818. One year
later on January 12, 1819,
Oakland County was officially
organized and was named
for its beautiful oak trees.
Oakland County was not heavily
wooded enough to attract
many lumbermen, and settlement
was slow at first.
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Oakland
County's agriculture was productive,
however, and when roads and railroads
to the north were built, the county
was able to trade with the lumber areas.
Today the excellent agriculture of Oakland
County has been overshadowed by its
industrial and residential growth. The
result is a mixture of big city, suburban,
and rural lifestyles. A superior system
of parks includes 6 state recreation
areas, 3 state parks, and 2 metroparks
providing Michigan's second largest
population with an abundance of leisure
opportunity.