Michigan’s Third Oldest Community? The Answer May Surprise You

Okay, the oldest towns/cities in Michigan are well-known:
1) Sault Ste. Marie
2) St. Ignace
3) Marquette

But even though Marquette is listed as the third oldest city, something completely different – and surprising – is what Michigan's third oldest community is...and that would be the city of Monroe.

Founded in 1785, Monroe was incorporated as a village in 1817 and as a city in 1837.

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It is believed by archaeologists that all those years ago when the glaciers were melting, small bands of Paleo-Indians traveled through the area (now known as Monroe) searching for food. French explorer LaSalle opened this region to French missionaries and fur trappers in 1679.

According to the Monroe, Michigan site, “there probably were people who used Monroe as either a crossroads, camp site, or village for many hundreds of years before the first European explorers visited the area.”

The earliest proof are Native American artifacts dating back to 1550 that were found near the northwest corner of North Dixie Highway and East Elm Avenue.

The Monroe site also says that after June 3, 1785, “French colonizers built a settlement called 'Frenchtown' on the north bank of the River Raisin” which eventually became known as Monroe. The city sits in Monroe County, 40 miles south of Detroit and 23 miles north of Toledo.

So yes, Monroe may not be the third oldest city in the state, but it is said to be the third oldest community. For those who want to dispute this, don't take it up with me – take it up with the Monroe government...