The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 brought about a migration of early
settlers, primarily from
New
York
State
.
They spread out from
Detroit
throughout
southern
Michigan
, where they could obtain
larger farms than they could in
New
York
. Howell was first platted in 1835 as
"Livingston Centre", and renamed Howell in honor of Thomas
Howell, son of a
New York
State
judge. Only one
year later,
Livingston
County
was organized, and Howell was named as the
county seat, after a long battle with
Brighton
.
The city of
Howell
,
as we know it now, was established as a village by an act of Michigan State
Legislature on March 14, 1863.The first building erected was a public house
known as the Eagle Tavern. This establishment stood on the southeast corner
of
Grand River
and
Walnut Street
. Several other hotels
and taverns soon followed, as Howell was strategically located on the Grand
River Trail, and as a connection on the railroad. By means of easy access
to the
Old Plank Toll Road
and the railroad, citizens of Howell were well situated to import and
export their products, making Howell a Town of growth and development.
s no
longer active, the physical location of Howell is still a convenient
commerce center about halfway between
Detroit
and
Lansing
.
Howell remains an area of growth and development, attracting residents and
businesses alike in record numbers. The beautiful historic buildings
downtown, erected at a time when pioneers were proud to pay extra to create
a landmark, are now lovingly renovated to their original beauty. Residents
and business owners want to ensure the architectural entegrity and beauty of Howell's historic downtown.
|
|
