Fenton Township, Michigan

Charter Township of Fenton is a charter township of Genesee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 16,843 at the 2020 census.

The cities of Fenton and Linden were formed from areas formerly within the township.

Communities

Lake Fenton, is an area within the township, defined as a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Lake Fenton Community Schools district overlaps a portion of this and adjacent areas. This CDP includes two unincorporated communities, Lakeside and Bayport Park.

History

The township land was initially a part of Grand Blanc Township when it was organized March 9, 1833, and a part of Genesee County when it was formed by the territorial legislature in 1835. The Fenton survey township area was a part of Argentine Township starting July 26, 1836 when it was separately organized. and in 1837, William M. Fenton and Robert LeRoy bought land, a sawmill and water rights from Dibble, who moved elsewhere. Fenton and LeRoy had the settlement, then known as Dibbleville, platted. According to local legend, Fenton and LeRoy decided who would name the town in a game of poker. The town would be named after the winner and the main street after the loser. Fenton won and the town was known as Fentonville.

On June 26, 1837, the Fentonville post office opened and was renamed Fenton on February 25, 1866. The Township of Fenton was organized on March 6, 1838.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which is land and (13.29%) is water.

Demographics

As of the census While the Linden Post Office, ZIP code 48451, serves the western portion of Fenton Township.

Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation

Southern Lakes Regional Parks & Recreation District is a metropolitan district formed with the levying of a millage of .4 mills to operate park and recreational programs. Parks are owned by the cities and township in the district, Fenton City, Fenton Township, and Linden City.