It’s always fascinating to learn how a city got its name. Usually, it’s pretty easy to guess since the majority of our towns were named after their founders, other cities in the world (usually from where the first settlers came from), or nearby natural landmarks like lakes, rivers, or mountains. Fenton, Michigan, started out with a different name, but after a very interesting game of poker, the entire town got a new name and even a few new street names. Let’s take a closer look at the unique history of how this charming little town earned its name.
Fenton, Michigan, has a unique backstory in more ways than one. First, it’s one of the only municipalities in Michigan to span not one or two but three different counties. The only other city in Michigan to do the same is Lansing.
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They are Genesee County, Livingston County, and Oakland County. The majority of the town is within Genesee County.
Jerry Nelson/Google
With a population of roughly 12,000 people, Fenton is a charming little town in Michigan that makes for a great day trip.
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Downtown Fenton is incredibly scenic and pedestrian-friendly.
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The town has a quirky and unique vibe, that’s for sure.
Georgi Gaydarov/Google
Fenton was first established in 1834 and originally named “Dibblebille” after Clark Dibble, one of the first settlers to the area.
Evil Adams/Google
In 1837, two notable gentlemen sat down for a game of cards that would end up changing everything about the town.
Larry James/Google William M. Fenton and Robert LeRoy played a game of cards and determined that the winner of the hand would get the honor of renaming the town. Obviously, Fenton won the hand, and the consolation prize was given to LeRoy, who lent his name to the main street of the city. The game didn’t end there, though, and with each new hand dealt, the winner got to pick a new street name.
As you walk around the town, you’ll notice both Elisabeth Street and Adelaide Street, both named after the gentlemen’s wives.
Chris/Google What a unique and interesting way to go about naming a town!
Visit the city of Fenton’s website to learn more and plan your trip to this lovely little town today. For more unique day trip ideas through the Mitten State, check out some of our favorite small towns in Michigan.
Olga Kaminsky/Google
Jerry Nelson/Google
Spinki Spirits/Google
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Georgi Gaydarov/Google
Evil Adams/Google
Larry James/Google
William M. Fenton and Robert LeRoy played a game of cards and determined that the winner of the hand would get the honor of renaming the town. Obviously, Fenton won the hand, and the consolation prize was given to LeRoy, who lent his name to the main street of the city. The game didn’t end there, though, and with each new hand dealt, the winner got to pick a new street name.
Chris/Google
What a unique and interesting way to go about naming a town!
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Address: Fenton, MI, USA
