Moon Valley (Independence Township, Michigan)

Moon Valley was formed during the retreat of the last continental glacier, approximately 14,000 years ago.[2] As they retreated, the glaciers left behind debris, called moraines, and valleys. The retreating glaciers also formed numerous lakes.[3][4]

In 1854, Stephen Moon (1823-1909) came to Independence Township, Michigan from Palmyra, New York and was the first to settled in a valley on the northern side of Waterford Hill along the Saginaw Trail (now Dixie Highway). His tract of land was in section 32 of the township. There he established a 120-acre stock farm where he raised sheep, hogs, cows and fowl.[5][6]

Moon's son, Melvin C. Moon (1854-1933), eventually took over ownership of the farm and ran it until 1910.

The valley became known as "Moon Valley".[7] [8]

The farm was subdivided and today consists of a residences on Maple Lane and a commercial district along Dixie Highway.[9]

The Clinton River winds its way around Moon Valley and through Greens Lake, a 117 acres, 55 foot depth lake which borders the western side of the valley.[10]