Brownstown Today

Generations of Downriver residents know Brownstown as a quiet community that runs along I-75 from Taylor on the north to Lake Erie on the south. It skips over a few towns in the middle.

Historically, Brownstown covered some 43 square miles and was one of the original nine townships that were created in Wayne County when the land was part of the Michigan Territory. In fact, Brownstown is actually older than the State of Michigan itself, which was not admitted to the Union until 1837 - ten years after Brownstown was established!

The origins of the name "Brownstown" have been largely obscured throughout time, but century-old history books indicate that the area was probably named in honor of Adam Brown, who was captured by Wyandot Indians in 1764, when he was eight years old.

The kidnapping took place in Virginia, where Brown's brother was a General in the Commonwealth's militia. The young captive grew to manhood among the Indians, married an Indian woman and led a highly respected life.

But the history books have failed to disclose if Brown ever settled in the Downriver area or just why this particular section of Michigan was named in his honor.

The majority of Brownstown residents at that time were classified by occupation as farmers, along with harness makers, well borers, horse trainers, ship builders, dresshoop makers, millers and wood benders.

Today's Brownstown residents are more likely to be employed in the professional, technical or service industries, and their children will probably be college graduates.

Today's Brownstown also is one of the fastest growing communities Downriver. Statistics have shown that, on the average since 1977, more than 1,000 people PER YEAR move to Brownstown, giving strong support to its desirability as a place to raise a family - and to do business.

Brownstown is a community rich in heritage and strong in possibility.

Brownstown is indeed, where the future looks brighter!