Southgate

Southgate Municipal Water Report Info

The motto "City of Progress" perfectly captures Southgate's evolution since its 1958 incorporation. Originally part of Ecorse Township, this 6.85 square mile community south of Detroit has transformed dramatically over generations.

Before Michigan became a state in 1837, the region was home to Potawatomie and Wyandot tribes until French explorers arrived, beginning with Rene Robert Cavalier LaSalle in 1679. Pierre Michael Campau became the first documented white settler in 1795, followed by French and English migrants along the Detroit and Rouge Rivers. The 1830 completion of the Erie Canal accelerated western migration to the area.

Southgate's official history began with an incorporation petition filed with Wayne County in November 1955, followed by a successful incorporation referendum in October 1956. After an unsuccessful charter attempt in December 1957, a second charter was approved in September 1958, with official incorporation on October 8, 1958.

The community's growth isn't measured solely by population figures. Starting with just 64 farm families a century ago, Southgate experienced its major population surge after World War II, growing from under 2,000 residents in 1940 to 10,000 by 1950, then 29,404 in 1960 and 33,723 by 1970. Recent decades have seen slight population decreases due to surrounding community expansion, with census counts of 31,633 in 1980, 30,771 in 1990, and 30,136 in 2000. However, new condominiums, apartments, and subdivisions continue to be developed.

Municipal government was initially located in Grandport Village (later Ecorse Village), then moved to Allen Park upon Ecorse's city incorporation in 1942. The township hall remained in Allen Park until late 1956 when the original municipal building was constructed on Northline near Burns. The Police Department began in 1950, and in 1953 the first full-time firefighters were hired to support the volunteer fire department established five years earlier. The Recreation Department and Planning Commission were also formed in 1953.

Southgate's parks system, which began in 1949 with a single 36-acre park, has expanded to 74.7 acres comprising nine neighborhood parks, two community parks, and premier sports facilities. These include baseball diamonds, ice and hockey rinks, and an 18-hole municipal golf course with clubhouse.

In 1976, the Police, Fire, Court and Civic Center were built, and in 1979 City Hall relocated to its current site. The Library doubled in size in 1995 thanks to voter support. The 21st century has brought continued development, including civic center expansion, municipal complex improvements, and construction of the Southgate Fun & Family Fitness Centre, alongside welcoming many new businesses to the city.