The Downriver community of Trenton was founded in 1834. It was then called Truaxton. In 1850, a new plat was recorded under the name of Trenton. It was again incorporated on February 10, 1855. In 1929, a portion of Monguagon Township, called Sibley, was annexed to give Trenton the present size. In 1957, Trenton became a city. Trenton sits to the west of Grosse Ile, to which it is connected by two bridges. Trenton’s frontage on the Detroit River is an invaluable asset and provides plenty of room for water recreation and for future industrial and commercial expansion.
The river, of course, has played a very important part in the history of the community. This has been a bustling river town in the best sense of the expression – the site of shipyards which for years made use of the large stands of oak and other timber, which also made lumbering an important industry in town.
The large and prosperous city of Trenton is served by railroads, interstates, and a nearby major airport.
Elizabeth Park, the oldest of the Wayne County parks, is located in the heart of Trenton. The island park was donated to Wayne County by descendants of Major Abram Caleb Truax, who settled in this area after the War of 1812. Major Truax was the founder of Truaxton, which was later changed to Trenton. The name Trenton is derived from the stratum which lies the district.
Over the past few years, Trenton has been focusing on its trail systems and its connection to the Downriver Linked Greenways and statewide Iron Belle Trail, highlighting the tremendous natural resources that are available, including the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. In 2018, the City of Trenton adopted a Trail Town Master Plan, which provides a road map that will help Trenton leverage its trail assets for community and economic development. The focus of this effort will be on both water trail and non-motorized land trail assets and how they connect with the business district, offering an opportunity to broaden the effectiveness of a Trail Town Strategy. In 2021, Trenton was officially named a Pure Michigan Trail Town!
For more information about the city of Trenton and its trail system, visit www.trentonmi.org/trailtown.
