Independence Township
Independence Township is a charter township, in Oakland County, Michigan. The City of the Village of Clarkston, autonomous and incorporated in 1992, is completely surrounded by the township. The township is home to Pine Knob Ski Resort, and DTE Energy Music Theater.
Independence Township was named by one of its earliest settlers, Joseph Van Sycle, who came to the area in 1834 from Independence Township, New Jersey.
City of the Village of Clarkston
The City of the Village of Clarkston, or Clarkston, is a small city located in Oakland County, Michigan. It is completely surrounded by Independence Township. The city is approximately one half square mile in size. Its population in 2010 was 882.
Clarkston's Main Street is the M-15 HR Byway. The village is located 42 miles north of Detroit. It has easy access to I-75 and US 24. It is considered a “bedroom” community of the greater Detroit area. In 1992, Village residents voted to incorporate the Village as a city in order to preserve its boundaries and local government.
The Village of Clarkston was designated a Michigan State Historic Site on January 16, 1976 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 15, 1979. The Clarkston Village Historic District includes Buffalo Street, Church Street, Clarkston Road, Depot Road, Holcomb Street, Main Street(M-15), Miller Road, Waldon Road and Washington Street.
Although a city, the downtown area is known as “the Village” by residents. It offers not only lovely refurbished historic homes, but “the Village” offers an upscale shopping experience mixed with a quaint atmosphere.