06/18/2026
Some history on our neighboring neighborhood! 🏡
Why is “Hills” a part of Dearborn Hill’s name?
The name Dearborn Hills was given to the subdivision when it was developed by Robert Herndon beginning in 1919-1920. That’s when the first sections of the neighborhood were platted.
The name would have had a strong appeal to potential home buyers. Advertisements for its early homes presented the image of an exclusive community with a country-like feel, away from the area’s manufacturing facilities.
However, the name is also based on a topographical fact. Dearborn Hills is within the area that is the highest in elevation of all of Dearborn. The actual highest point in the city is at Ford Road and Telegraph.
Highland Street runs through the neighborhood, its name extending the image of a pastoral, hilly terrain. This historic photo of a home on Highland is from the 1930-40s, when the neighborhood was well established.
Research: Sharon Morton. Photo courtesy Dearborn Historical Museum.
Dearborn Historical Museum POSITIVELY Dearborn Dearborn Hills Neighborhood
