Silver Lake (Waterford Township, Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Silver Lake |
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 Silver Lake
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Oakland County, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 42°40′41″N 83°20′25″W / 42.677975°N 83.340221°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 101 acres (41 ha) |
| Max. depth | 73 ft (22 m) |
| Surface elevation | 948 feet (289 m) |
| Settlements | Waterford Township |
Silver Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake located in Waterford Township, Michigan, within Oakland County, Michigan, in the United States. It's a popular spot for outdoor activities and has an interesting history.
This lake is found in a specific area: south of Walton Boulevard, north of Silver Lake Road, and east of Dixie Highway. It's part of the larger Clinton River watershed, which is like a big drainage basin for water. Silver Lake is connected to Loon Lake to its west and a smaller lake called Upper Silver Lake (which is about 35.5 acres) to its east.
Silver Lake has a sandy bottom and covers an area of 101 acres (41 ha). It's quite deep, reaching 73 feet (22 m) at its deepest point. This makes it the ninth deepest lake in Oakland County.
Contents
History of Silver Lake
Early Settlers and Farms
In 1818, a brave family led by Major Oliver Williams and his wife, along with their eight children, decided to settle in Oakland County. They were joined by another family, Mr. and Mrs. Alpheus Williams, who had four daughters and two sons, and Captain Archibald Phillips.
Major Williams and his family started the very first farm settlement in Oakland County. They chose a spot on the south shore of Silver Lake. This farm was also the first settlement located along the historic Saginaw Trail, an important route at the time.
First Schools in Oakland County
Silver Lake played a key role in the history of education in Oakland County. In 1821, the first school in the entire county began right here! It was held in the loft (the upper part) of Oliver Williams' sheep barn, which was located on the banks of Silver Lake. There were seven students who attended this very first school.
Just one year later, in 1822, the first schoolhouse made of logs was built on Oliver Williams' farm, south of Silver Lake. This was the first building specifically constructed to be a school in Oakland County. It had 13 students, showing how the community was growing.
Exploring Silver Lake's Surroundings
Silver Lake is surrounded by neighborhoods with many trees. These areas are mostly residential, meaning people live there. If you want to launch a boat, there is a private boat ramp available off of Walton Boulevard.
Fish in Silver Lake
Silver Lake is home to many different kinds of fish, making it a great place for fishing! You can find a variety of species here, including:
