Southfield, Michigan

48034

Southfield is located in southeastern Oakland County in the township of the same name. This area was first settled in 1823 by John Daniels. A post office was established there ten years later. The potential water power of the River Rouge originally attracted people to the area. The community steadily grew becauseof its relationship to Detroit, and became a major player in the development of the auto industry.

In 1958, the area incorporated into a city due to urban sprawl. Its organization afterwards was carefully planned to balance zoning between residential and business areas, with an emphasis on attracting business. These efforts were successful so that today, Southfield is considered to be one of Michigan’s leading corporate communities.