Land in the southwest corner of Brighton Township was first taken up from the US Government by Maynard Maltby in 1832.  Between 1832 and 1835, Anthony Gale. Elijah Fitch, John & Elizabeth Cushing, Wm. Noble and others also filed claims to land in this area.  Some of these folks stayed and developed the land; others bought only to speculate. 

The area east of Ore Creek, along Fitch (Main St.) and the Grand River trail saw the building of log structures such as homes, barns, stage stops, churches, a school, saw and grain mills, offices, stores, distilleries and a post office.  By 1867 sufficient development had occurred for Brighton Village to be incorporated.

There was more to celebrate in Brighton July 4, 1871, than the 95th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  The long awaited railroad tracks had arrived.  Those celebrating had good reason- every acre within 10 miles of the railroad almost doubled in value, farmers had a means to get their produce to market and since the economy was almost entirely dependent on agriculture, ‘boom times’ were anticipated.

With the advent of the RR through the west side of town, Hiram H. Smith, President of the Detroit, Lansing and Lake Michigan RR, and Edward G. & Wm. Jr. McPherson, Howell businessmen, purchased 3/10/71, all the land lying north of W. Main from Elizabeth Cushing and that south of W. Main from Elijah Fitch.  Early in 1872, a well-promoted sale of lots was held with a brass band playing, flags and banners flying.  Several farmers in adjacent townships had reached a period in their lives when they had accumulated sufficient means to retire and by 1875 at least ten houses were built.  Lumber and livestock yards, elevators, Western House Hotel and several new stores were built on W. Main St.  It looks like Brighton is here to stay. 

Compiled and edited from “1880 History of Livingston County” and ” Michigan Memorabilia,” by Bill Pless.