City of Royal Oak

City of Royal Oak Municipal Water Report Information

The City Attorney serves as the legal advisor for the City and all departments regarding official duties, while also fulfilling additional responsibilities assigned by the commission through ordinances or resolutions.

The City Clerk's Office handles essential record-keeping functions including birth and death certificates, dog licensing, election services, and numerous other administrative duties for residents.

The City Manager implements policies established by the City Commission, oversees daily operations across various City departments, and represents Royal Oak to the community and other organizations.

Royal Oak's early settlers were primarily farmers who cleared land for homes and agricultural purposes. The railroad's arrival brought logging, milling and other industries to the area. Many settlers came from New York, including Orson Starr, the township's first manufacturer, known for crafting cowbells.

In 1845, Orson Starr built his wooden frame home incorporating Greek Revival architectural elements popular during that era. This historic residence still stands at its original Main Street location. The Orson Starr House is listed in Michigan's State Register of Historic Sites and has been designated a historic district with the "Save America's Treasures" designation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Royal Oak name originated in 1819 when Michigan Governor Lewis Cass and companions explored the territory. Near the intersection of Main, Rochester and Crooks Roads, they discovered an impressive oak tree with an unusually wide trunk and magnificent branches, reminiscent of the royal oak tree where King Charles II of England sought refuge in 1660.

By 1891, Royal Oak was a small village of just a few hundred residents. Between 1900 and 1910, the population grew to over 1,000, and by its 1921 incorporation as a city, Royal Oak boasted more than 6,000 residents, largely due to automotive industry jobs.

The development of Woodward Avenue significantly contributed to population growth, replacing the old Saginaw Trail as the connection between Detroit, Pontiac, Flint and Saginaw. Today, the 28-mile Woodward Avenue (M-1) spans 10 communities and holds Michigan Heritage Route designation due to approximately 350 historically significant sites along its path.

The completion of I-696 along Royal Oak's southern border in 1989 centrally positioned the city within Southeast Michigan, prompting local merchants and city government to revitalize the downtown area.