Northville Heritage Hike

Historic Trail of Northville

This is a walking tour of Northville, created by Troop755 of Northville (established, 1947) and is open to anyone.

For Scouts, this is a Credentialled Trek and you may earn a medal if you complete all the requirements.

PocketSights has a white arrow to denote your desired direction of travel. However, it is often misleading so just ignore it.

Use "Start Tour" and "Follow Me". As you approach each Point, then PocketSights might automatically display the information for that Point. If it does not, then tap on the number and the information will appear.

Northville was first settled by European Americans in 1825, and was incorporated as a Village in 1867. It was not incorporated as a City until 1955. Originally one of two communities within Plymouth Township, Northville Township split off in 1898 to form its own township.

The first land patent in the Northville area was granted to Gideon Benton in 1823; the current Cass Benton Park is located here. The first settlers did not arrive, however, until 1825. Many of these first settlers were originally from central and western New York State, with ancestors in New England. Others came from the nearby, already settled Plymouth community to Northville.

Among these early settlers were Alanson Aldrich, followed by Alvale Smith, who sold his property to John Miller. Miller built the first mill in Plymouth Township, sometime between 1825 and 1828. Mill Race Historical Village is now preserved at this site. Many employees of the mill began to build their houses near it. Northville was named for its relation north of Plymouth.

In 1827, Northville was home to a post office, and Gideon Benton was the US postmaster. Also in 1827, J.F. Davis, became the first resident doctor in Northville. A tailor, tavern, shoe shop, and two blacksmiths also started business in the village. Many of Northville's first settlers' surnames became namesakes for contemporary street names today. These include Rufus Thayer Jr. (Thayer Blvd.), Joseph Yerkes (Yerkes St.), Daniel and Samuel Cady (Cady St.), William Dunlap (Dunlap St.), and other settlers. The first church was constructed in 1836 by a Methodists congregation.

Northville Heritage Hike created by Troop755 & Crew755
Original research and route: Ray Friedrich and Bart Heldke
PocketSights Tour: Gary Kittrell, April Sarvis, Morton Chalom