The region now known as Pontiac was settled by Europeans in 1818. The city was named after a Native American Chief. Chief Pontiac was born in the second decade of the 18th century in Ottawa Village on the Detroit River. As a friend of the French, Pontiac led an attack on Detroit in an attempt to over throw the British. Many tribes were inspired by Pontiac's actions and also rose up against the British. Pontiac was killed in 1769, and the city was named in his honor. In 1837, Pontiac was incorporated into a village and also received its charter the same year. The area became a major center for the manufacture of buggies and wagons.

Today, the top three industries of Pontiac are manufacturing, health services and government. The city covers 20 square miles and is home to several event venues (Phoenix Plaza and the Silverdome) and many nightclubs (Clutch Cargo's, Sevin, Heat, Tiki Bob's Cantina). --Jacquie Trost