Sterling Heights
STERLING HEIGHTS FACTS - Sterling Heights is the third largest in area and the fourth largest in population in the state of Michigan. Sterling Heights has a population in excess of 127,000 people living within 36.8 square miles. It is the fastest growing city of over 100,000 population in Michigan -- increasing by 1.4% according to the United States Census Department.
STERLING HEIGHTS HISTORY - The first American settlers in Mt. Clemens arrived as captives of the Chippewa Indians following the end of the Revolutionary War. After some escaped and others were freed by ransom payment from German missionaries, the settlers eventually built cabins along the Clinton River near Mt. Clemens, recognizing the rich natural resources the river and surrounding area possessed. Once known as the Huron River (the original Indian name of the river was Natawasippee), the Clinton river received its current name back on July 17, 1824, as locals renamed the waterway in honor of New York's governor, DeWitt Clinton. Area pioneers hunted the abundant game in the lush forests along the river and had no problems catching fish in its clear, fast running waters. The 1882 edition of the History of Macomb outlined the river by stating: "The Huron (Clinton) River enters the town at the headwaters of the hydraulic canal in the Village of Utica, flows through a tortuous channel southeast and leaves the (Sterling) township. The soil is very productive, generally level and carefully cultivated." Farmers took advantage of the area's rich soil and built large homesteads, harvesting crops of wheat and corn on 100-acre farms. Apple and peach orchards dotted the landscape, and by 1832, more than 2,500 sheep and 1,200 cows grazed on rich grasslands, in addition to more than 500 horses used to work the fields. As it had during the population boom of the 1950s, Sterling Township welcomed a great many residents from the City of Detroit after the War of 1812. A man by the name of Lewis Drake, born in New York and a direct descendant of famed 16th centur navigator Sir Francis Drake, came to the area now known as Sterling Heights in 1832 and bought government land at the price of 18 shillings (less than $4) an acre. His farm was located in the area of Dodge Park and Utica Roads. His farm was located in the Northwest section 14, East of Clinton River along the River Road. By 1880, Sterling Township was a prosperous rural area of neat farm homes and fields of wheat, corn and other crops. Sterling Township's population was estimated at 2,088. Before Detroit introduced the first "horseless carriages," the "iron horse" made its way through the farming community of Sterling Township. The Romeo and Utica Stage Line met all passenger trains of the Detroit and Bay City Railroad at the Utica Depot, located just south of what is now Auburn Road in Utica. Trains passed through Sterling Township four times a day. Today, Sterling Heights is considered an integral part of the greater Detroit Metropolitan area. However, back in 1900, the trek from Sterling Township to Detroit was a half-day horseback trip on a rough clay Van Dyke road. Residents relied on Utica Road, a planked toll street, and the Clinton River to transport their goods to market. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HISTORY ON STERLING HEIGHTS
LOCAL GOVERNMENT - City of Sterling Heights was incorporated in 1968, generations of residents have inhabited the area for many years. The City Offices are located at 40555 Utica Road located on the corner of Utica Road and Dodge Park Road. There office phone number is (586) 446-CITY (2489). Click here to visit Sterling Heights Web Site.
DODGE PARK - Is located directly across from the city offices the address of the park is 40620 Utica Rd. the park consists of 51.2 acres of park land. The Facilities consists of a Parking Lot, 5 Volleyball Courts, 2 Metal Play Structures, Swing sets, Picnic Areas, 2 Pavilions, Restrooms, Outdoor Concert Stage, Outdoor Ice/In-line Skating.
STONEY CREEK METRO PARK - Located On the northern end of Shelby Township Stoney Creek Metro park features 4,461 acres of prime recreational lands, this top-rated park's scenic, hilly terrain surrounds beautiful 500-acre Stony Creek Lake. It also features a nature center, a hike-bike trail, beaches, boat launch facilities, a disc golf course and a 18-hole regulation golf course. For more information on this local park and additional Metro Parks in the area you can Click Here.
EDUCATION - There are 3 school districts in Shelby Township primarily most of Shelby consists of the Utica District there are also in some sections Romeo District and Rochester Hills District. Local colleges include Macomb Community College and also not too far away 2 additional colleges which are Oakland University and Oakland Community College.
LOCAL SHOPPING - Local shopping includes many facilities including the 2 local malls which are a shoppers dreams. Lakeside Mall which is located on the south/east corner of hall/schoenherr and also Macomb Mall which is located at Gratoit/Masonic off I-94. There are many other local places to shop in Shelby Township.
GOLF COURSES - Click here for local golf courses.
STERLING HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY - The library is located at 40255 Dodge Park Road In Sterling Heights. There Phone Number is (586) 446-BOOK (2665) Click Here to visit the Library.
STERLING HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT - The Sterling Heights Police Department is on the job 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide prompt emergency response and to maintain a safe and secure community. This is accomplished through actively patrolling the streets, responding to calls for assistance and direct interaction with schools, organizations and individual citizens. More than 2,000 calls are received each month through the city's 911 emergency line. There non emergency number is (586) 446-2800
STERLING HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT - The Sterling Heights Fire Department operates out of five fire stations throughout the city. The department is made up of four divisions: Administration, Extinguishment, Fire Prevention and Training. There non emergency number is (586) 446-2950
