Pontiac, MI, we all know it. We know it for what it is now, but does anyone really know what it used to be like? At one point, Pontiac was the most flourishing city in Michigan. Pontiac became a city in 1861 and was set in a prime location. It attracted people from all over such as, professional people including lawyers and doctors. It was not long till Pontiac became the center of industry. Pontiac became the main location of choice for grist and woolen mills and in 1844 with the railroad coming to the downtown area, this only assured the growth of Pontiac for the future.
Pontiac was known to have an abundance of natural resources. This led to carriage manufacturing companies which at the turn of the century, led to the automotive industry. General Motors took affect and as the industry grew, Pontiac grew. Of course Pontiac suffered from the 1930's depression just as all the other cities did, however following World War II, it was at the forefront of growth in Oakland County. Pontiac only continued to grow and was as beautiful as ever.
However after the riots of the 1960's, many white people began to move away. With that led to a decrease in businesses. After that, it was a domino effect. People began to leave Pontiac; lawyers, doctors and people in the car industry. Pontiac lost majority of its business and people and soon became very run down. Once Michigan hit an all time low financially in the 90's and 2000's, it only further doomed Pontiac.
Pontiac was known to have an abundance of natural resources. This led to carriage manufacturing companies which at the turn of the century, led to the automotive industry. General Motors took affect and as the industry grew, Pontiac grew. Of course Pontiac suffered from the 1930's depression just as all the other cities did, however following World War II, it was at the forefront of growth in Oakland County. Pontiac only continued to grow and was as beautiful as ever.
However after the riots of the 1960's, many white people began to move away. With that led to a decrease in businesses. After that, it was a domino effect. People began to leave Pontiac; lawyers, doctors and people in the car industry. Pontiac lost majority of its business and people and soon became very run down. Once Michigan hit an all time low financially in the 90's and 2000's, it only further doomed Pontiac.
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