About Troy

Troy is a suburb of Detroit and is part of the Metro Detroit area. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 80,959, the 19th largest city in Michigan by population. Troy has become a destination for its upscale Somerset Collection mall.

History

The first land purchases in what became Troy Township were recorded in 1819, when the first land was purchased in section 19. The first settlement was two years later by Johnson Niles, who purchased 160 acres on the SW corner of Square Lake & Livernois, which became known as Troy Corners. Four years later, Ira Smith built the first house at Big Beaver Corners and the first public school taught at Troy Corners. Troy Township was organized on May 28, 1827.

In 1966, I-75 was completed in Troy. This gave a major boost to Troy's economy and Troy saw the development of its library, nature center and many other recreational venues. 

In 2003, Troy was named Michigan's Sportstown by Sports Illustrated magazine for having the top community sports programs in the state.

In the summer of 2005, to commemorate the city's 50th anniversary, ceramic beaver statues, each standing four feet (1.2 m) high, were displayed at various locations in the city. The beaver is the symbol of Troy, and the city's main commercial thoroughfare (Big Beaver Road) is named for it. In 2005, Troy was named the 6th safest city of 75,000 or more in the United States and the safest in Michigan. Troy is also the second largest city in the state based on total property value.

Economy

In the midst of one of the wealthiest counties in the United States, Troy is a thriving center of business, particularly in the automotive and financial sectors, and is home to a number of major companies. Based on property value, Troy is the second largest city in Michigan, second only to Detroit. The Top of Troy is the city's tallest building. Troy is home to the upscale Somerset Collection mall featuring an award winning skywalk with over 180 stores and the Oakland Mall.

Major companies headquartered in Troy