Pontiac, Michigan
Pontiac was Michigan's first inland settlement named after Ottawa Chief Pontiac. The first settlers arrived in 1818 and two years later there were enough people there to form a village.
From the beginning, Pontiac's central location served it well. It attracted professional people, including doctors and lawyers, and soon also became a center of industry. With the coming of the railroad through the downtown area in 1844, Pontiac's progress and success were assured.
Abundant natural resources led to the establishment of several carriage manufacturing companies, all of which were thriving at the turn of the century when the first self-propelled vehicles were introduced. Pontiac quickly became a capital of the new automotive industry with the "horseless carriage" manufacturers consolidating under the mantle of the General Motors Corporation. In the boom years following World War II, Pontiac was at the forefront of growth in affluent Oakland County.
Things to see and do in Pontiac….
The Pontiac Silver Dome has featured the Jacksons, Pink Floyd, Madonna, Backstreet Boys, World Cup Soccer teams and Pope John Paul II! This unique indoor stadium, with a seating capacity of 80,325, is truly a host to events to die for. And speaking of the dead, if thrills and chills are what you enjoy and if movies like SAW and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre have you glued to the TV — you will absolutely love the “Realm of Darkness” voted America’s best haunted house.
Ready to rock? For a great night on the town visit Clutch Cargo, a great Pontiac venue and nightspot. Here you can listen and dance to the music of some of the area’s top independent rock groups.
And speaking of music you can be entertained and experience the great outdoors at the same time at the Phoenix Plaza Amphitheater. This cozy venue brings you up close and personal to the performers…and the weather, so you might want to carry an umbrella if rain is in the forecast.
Oakland Air PTK