Orchard Lake, located in Oakland County, Michigan, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. Over the years, the area has played host to several historical events that have shaped the region and the United States as a whole.

Here are seven historical events that have taken place near Orchard Lake:

1. The Treaty of Detroit (1807)
In 1807, a treaty was signed between the United States and various Native American tribes, including the Ottawa, Chippewa, and Potawatomi, at the foot of the rapids of the Detroit River. This treaty helped to expand American territory and set the stage for the settlement of Michigan. Although the treaty wasn't signed in Orchard Lake, it had a significant impact on the region's history.

2. The Founding of Orchard Lake Schools (1829)
In 1829, Reverend Gabriel Richard founded the Michigan Military Academy (MMA) in Orchard Lake. The academy was designed to provide military education and training to young men in Michigan. Over time, the school evolved to include St. Mary's Preparatory, a Catholic boys' school, and Orchard Lake Schools, which encompasses both the MMA and St. Mary's.

3. Naval Battle of Lake Erie (1813)
During the War of 1812, the U.S. and Great Britain battled for control of Lake Erie. On September 10, 1813, American Naval Commander Oliver Hazard Perry led his squadron in a victory over the British fleet near Put-in-Bay, Ohio. The victory secured control of Lake Erie for the U.S. and helped push the British out of the Great Lakes region.

4. The Underground Railroad (1840s-1860s)
Orchard Lake was located on the route of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in the North or Canada. Several homes in the area, including the Orchard Lake Village Hall, served as stations on the Underground Railroad.

5. The Detroit Riots (1967)
In July 1967, racial tensions in Detroit boiled over, resulting in a five-day riot that left 43 people dead and over 1,000 injured. National Guard troops were deployed to restore order, and the city curfew was extended to the surrounding suburbs, including Orchard Lake.

6. The Detroit Lions' Training Camp (1935-1996)
From 1935 to 1996, the Detroit Lions football team held its training camp at the MMA campus in Orchard Lake. During this time, the team won three NFL championships and earned numerous division titles. The Lions relocated their training camp to a new facility in Allen Park, Michigan, in 2003.

7. The Assassination of President McKinley (1901)
On September 6, 1901, President William McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. McKinley died from his injuries eight days later while receiving treatment at the Milburn House in Buffalo. Dr. Herman Mynter, a physician from Orchard Lake, was called to assist with McKinley's care.

In conclusion, many significant historical events have occurred in and around Orchard Lake, Michigan. From the founding of the MMA to the Naval Battle of Lake Erie, these events have left a lasting impact on the region and the United States as a whole.