Dearborn: Michigan

A history of Dearborn, Michigan with archival photos. A must for Dearbornites and anyone else who loves this city.

From a historical perspective, there have been many eras, transitions, people, and events that have transformed Dearborn into the multi-faceted, modern place it is today. From the Native Americans to the French settlers who set up ribbon farms along the Rouge River, the influx of early pioneers, and the opening of the Erie Canal, much of Dearborn's rich history is lost to modernity.

Located on the banks of the Rouge River just ten miles from Detroit, the city of Dearborn began as a humble pioneer settlement in the 1780s. Over the course of two centuries, it has developed into a close-knit community, a college town, a major tourism center, and a world-famous industrial city. Through an impressive collection of photographs drawn from the Dearborn Historical Museum, Images of America: Dearborn, Michigan documents the influential people, places, and events that have shaped Dearborn's rich history. This book traces Dearborn's spirit of innovation through engaging glimpses of the 19th century U.S. Arsenal, the historic River Rouge Plant, Mayor Hubbard's lasting influence, and the legacy of Henry Ford. From the European settlers who first settled on the banks of the Rouge, to the streets, buildings, and schools that were named for them, Dearborn is revealed as a vibrant urban community with a strong sense of civic pride.

Dearborn, Michigan tells these stories, presents the turning points, and looks into the factors that have made the city what it is today. The book is a perfect historic overview for residents and visitors of this unique city.

Craig Hutchison is an author, editor, and historian who has worked for the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Estate for nearly a decade. Kimberly Rising is a photographer, illustrator, and graphic artist. Together they operate an independent publishing company, Wandering Wolverine Publishers.