Romeo Historic District

The area around Romeo was first settled in 1821, and in 1822 the first building was constructed in what was then known as "Hoxie's Settlement."^[3] The first piece of the present-day village, extending two blocks in each direction from the corner of St. Claire and Main Streets, was platted by Col. John B. Hollister in 1830.^[4] By 1837 a number of simple log farmhouses dotted the area, and the settlement boasted over 200 people, 34 houses,^[4] three dry goods stores, a wagon shop, tannery, shoe shops, a foundry, a cooper shop, carpenter shop and a hoopskirt factory.^[3] Hoxie's Settlement was incorporated as the village of Romeo in 1838.^[3] The University of Michigan established a branch campus, the Romeo Academy, in the area in the 1840, attracting more prosperous academics and professionals to the area.^[2] A railroad was laid through the village in 1869, bringing increased trade. Planned growth has allowed the Romeo community to maintain a high degree of historic integrity.^[2]

The Romeo Historic District contains approximately 100 well-preserved historic structures, constructed in a variety of architectural styles. Most are frame structures, including a number of Gothic Revival cottages, but the district also includes substantial brick buildings located along Romeo's main street.^[2]