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.

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.