Welcome to the

Historic Village of Romeo

 
That was then...
 
The land, which was to become Romeo, was inhabited by Chippewa Indians when Jeremiah Allen moved from Canada in 1821 and built his cabin. In January of 1822, Mr. and Mrs. Asahel Bailey arrived from New York State on "Walk in the Water", the first steamer to navigate the Great Lakes. They became the first permanent settlers and prominent citizens. 

Romeo was known as Indian Village when a Mr. Hoxie appeared in 1822. He established an Inn on Main Street called The Old Red Tavern, which sadly, was later destroyed by fire. During this time period the Village was re-named Hoxie's Settlement. 

The first village lot, located on the corner of Van Dyke Avenue and West St. Clair Street was purchased by N.T. Taylor for $12.00. There he built & operated the first store. Businesses in the village began to grow in the early 1830's and by 1837 there were three dry goods & grocery stores, a wagon shop, tannery, shoe shops, a foundry, a cooper shop, carpenter shop & a hoopskirt factory. 

Hoxie’s Settlement became Incorporated and renamed on March 9, 1838 by Mrs. Laura Taylor. She felt the name "ROMEO" was appropriate as it was "short, musical, classical and uncommon." 

Romeo was part of the Underground Railroad before and during the Civil War. This was one of the stops where runaway slaves were sheltered before being taken into Canada. Many of the homes in Romeo had secret tunnels or hiding places in their cellars, attics and barns.

This is now.....

   

A feeling of community pride is deeply ingrained in the residents of Romeo. When visiting the Romeo area the first thing you notice is the beautiful tree lined streets and neatly maintained homes…a glimpse of the past when times were simple, quiet & gracious. One must also be impressed the by quiet Victorian charm of the Village & the unique Historic Downtown area. 

Homes, churches and business blocks boast of at least nine architectural styles & many structures typical of the 19th & early 20th century. Because of this, Romeo was named a National & State Historic District in 1971. Yearly, thousands of visitors return to the Romeo area to enjoy the many local activities organized within the community by its local citizens, downtown merchants, orchards, schools, churches & numerous volunteer organizations.