Why you'd want to live in Livonia
Although originally inhabited by Potowatami Indians, the area that is now Livonia was settled by pioneers from New England and New York who were attracted by its rich soil and abundant harvests. The name "Livonia," which is also the name of towns in New York State and Pennsylvania State, was probably named after a region of the Baltic Sea comprising present day Estonia and Latvia. Livonia Township was officially established in 1835 and existed during its first century as primarily a dairy and farming region. Agriculture gave way to commerce and industry in 1948, when the General Motors Corporation built an automatic transmission plant and Ford Motor Company soon followed with a parts depot. In 1950, the Township became incorporated as the City of Livonia. Major local employers today include Ford Motor Company, General Motors, United Parcel Services and St. Mary Mercy Hospital.