“Historic preservation is a conversation with our past about our future.”
– National Park Service
What Is Historic Preservation?
May is National Historic Preservation Month, and while most people would define historic preservation as protecting buildings, spaces, districts, and landscapes of historic and cultural significance, preservation is far more dynamic. Preservation work strengthens communities and boosts economic vitality, creating a sense of place and promoting heritage tourism.
Looking for something new to discover? Take a walk with us through the diverse and unique heritage of Oakland County.
Historic Oakland County Map
Use our interactive map and explore important Native American sites, cemeteries, centennial farms,
historic settlements, registered historical sites, railways and museums.
1800s Farms and Barns
Discover what life was like for early farmers by visiting some historic homesteads, farmhouses and more.
Van Hoosen Farm, Rochester Hills (1823)
Byers Historical Homestead, Commerce Township (1825)
Barton Farmhouse, Bloomfield Township (1832), relocated to Bowers School Farm
Cranberry Lake Farm, Oakland Township (1840s)
Ernst Barn, Waterford (1850s), relocated to Holly Heritage Farm
Hess-Hathaway Farm, Waterford (1861)
Spicer Barn and House, Farmington Hills (1880), located in Heritage Park
Ellis Barn, Clarkston (1884), relocated to Springfield Oaks County Park
Fast Facts
- Oakland County was established on March 28, 1820.
- Members of the Anishnaabeg (“Ah-Nish-Nah-Beg”) people call Oakland County home.
- Oakland County plays an important role in the Underground Railroad.
1900s Estates and Homes
Oakland County is home to iconic architecture from Arts and Crafts chateaus to Art Deco domiciles to Mid-century Modern mansions, including those below. Reserve a tour and admire the beauty of these fine estates.
Cranbrook House and Gardens, Bloomfield Hills (1922)
Original residents: George Gough Booth and Ellen Scripps Booth
Architect: Albert Kahn
Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester (1929)
Original residents: Matilda Dodge Wilson and Alfred Wilson
Architect: William E. Kapp
Saarinen House – Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills (1930)
Original residents: Eliel Saarinen, Loja Gesellius Saarinen, Eva-Lisa Saarinen Swanson and Eero Saarinen
Architect: Eliel Saarinen
Affleck House, Bloomfield Hills (1941)
Original residents: Gregor S. and Elizabeth B. Affleck
Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright
Smith House, Bloomfield Township (1950)
Original residents: Sara Stein Smith and Melvyn Maxwell Smith
Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright
For more information on our county’s past, tune into an Oakland County Parks’ Fireside Chat or attend a historical program. More resources are available at the Oakland County History Center and local historical museums.
Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.