Northville, Michigan, has a rich history that dates back to its initial settlement by European Americans in 1825. The city was originally part of Plymouth Township, with Northville Township splitting off to form its own jurisdiction in 1898. Northville’s early settlers primarily hailed from central and western New York State, with some moving from the nearby Plymouth community.

The first land patent in the area was granted to Gideon Benton in 1823, and the first settlers, including Alanson Aldrich and Alvale Smith, arrived in 1825. John Miller, who acquired land from Smith, established the first mill in the township between 1825 and 1828, a site now preserved as the Mill Race Historical Village. Northville earned its name due to its location north of Plymouth.

By 1827, Northville had established a post office with Gideon Benton as the postmaster. That same year, the village saw its first resident doctor, J.F. Davis, along with various businesses such as a tailor, tavern, shoe shop, and blacksmiths. The surnames of many early settlers, like Thayer, Yerkes, Cady, and Dunlap, are now street names in Northville. The first church, constructed by a Methodist congregation, was built in 1836.

During the Victorian era, Northville continued to grow, which is reflected in the Queen Anne-style architecture still visible in the downtown area. The town celebrates this heritage annually in the Heritage Festival, formerly known as the Victorian Festival. The first schoolhouse opened in 1853, and Northville was incorporated as a village in 1867. By the end of the 19th century, the village had established a public school system.