There have been many parallels in the development of Addison, Orion and Oxford Townships. All three were at one time part of Oakland Township. Settlements were stared in the 1820's and 1830's. Pioneers in all these areas were faced with unusually difficult problems because of the rugged terrain and the abundance of lakes and marshes.
All were isolated farming communities before the coming of the Detroit and Bay City Railroad in 1872, and the Pontiac, Oxford, Port Austin Railroad (the Poor Old Polly Ann) ten years later. The Railroads gave new life to this area as they opened up a whole new world of commerce and travel opportunities in and out of northeast Oakland County.