How about a story that begins long before Taylor became Taylor? Before it was even Taylor Township. Imagine the year is 1830. Peter Coan purchases an 80-acre parcel from the U.S. government.
Now fast forward to 1847. Residents felt disconnected from Ecorse Township. They lived too far away. So they petitioned to form a separate community. This new community needed a name. They chose Taylor Township. It honored General Zachary Taylor. He was a hero of the Mexican-American War. He later became the 12th President.
Taylor began as rural farmland. But things changed. The Wabash Railroad built a line through Taylor Township in 1876. A train station was built. It was named Hand Station after George E. Hand. He sold the right-of-way. This brought new opportunities to Taylor.
The Ford Rouge Plant’s opening in neighboring Dearborn changed Taylor. So many workers were drawn to the area. Taylor Township grew steadily.
Then came incorporation. In 1968, Taylor Township became the City of Taylor. The city has continued to evolve. Taylor has become a modern city. It offers recreation and established neighborhoods. There are also shopping, dining, and natural amenities.
Taylor has welcomed presidents. President Bill Clinton visited in 1996. He attended the Department of Public Works building grand opening. President Barack Obama also campaigned in Taylor in 2008.
Taylor is also known for sports. The Taylor North Little League team won the 2021 Little League World Series. It was the first team from Michigan to win since 1959.
Today, Taylor is the fifth most-populated city in Wayne County. Taylor is a vibrant community. It cherishes its history. It looks forward to the future. This is the story of Taylor. It is a story of growth, change, and community.