History:

The Michigan State Legislature officially created Chesterfield Township in 1842 by Public Act 57. Long before North American Indian people habited the land and waters as evidence by the artifacts of arrow heads, clay pots and burial plots.

The Indian people lived on the shores of Lake St. Clair and on the banks of the many rivers and streams. The marshes provided reeds for weaving into baskets and flat mats and when stretched over sapling frames they made comfortable summer homes. The land provided food like wild berries, gourds, roots and leaves for teas and poultices. The lakes and rivers gave fish, water fowl and turtles. High ground contained deer, beaver, rabbits, lynx, bobcat, and even bear. Migratory birds of all kinds abounded as food and a source for colorful feathers used for trade and dress.

The most important harvest for the Indians was salt. Chesterfield contained salt springs whose brine when evaporated provided a trade good worth its weight in gold.

The last two Indian reserves in Southeastern Michigan were located in Chesterfield Township. The "Swan Creek" Indian people were the last to leave the idyllic land and water.