Almont

Step back and relax in this country atmosphere just 40 miles north of Detroit.

Almont is the sixth oldest village in the State of Michigan, founded in 1833 by Daniel Black when he purchased land for $1.25 an acre from the United States Government and built the first log house on Main Street. This document of purchase is on file at the Village library.

The Village, which was originally called Newburg, was established in 1834. On January 5, 1846, the name of Almont was adopted in honor of Juan V. Almonte, a Mexican diplomat, ambassador and General. After the Civil War, the village of Almont boomed. Settlers from Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania flocked into the township and county, securing the rich farmland from the territory at $1.25 an acre.

Almont was an important community during the settlement of Lapeer and Sanilac Counties and to the lumber industry that was the foundation of the economy at the time. The railroad line that reached Almont, starting in 1882, was a narrow-gauge branch of the Port Huron and Northwest Railroad. The railroad was never extended and was abandoned in 1942. The first electric streetcar from Detroit reached Almont in 1914. The streetcar also brought electricity with it, as Almont was one of the first communities in the area to be served by electric power. The streetcar was later extended to Imlay City and served the community until 1925.

Almont hosts several events throughout the year including the annual Garage Sale Frenzy every year in the month of May, the Holly Day Light Parade during the month of December and the Almont Homecoming which is celebrated once every 5 years on the second weekend in August. Since 1909, the Village of Almont has celebrated a Homecoming every five years. During Homecoming current and previous residents of the Almont congregate to celebrate the heritage and history of Almont.