[6][7] While initially the township was primarily agricultural, the many lakes in the area were beginning to draw vacationers out of Detroit and other cities.

In 1851, the railroad came through Clarkston, which prompted hotels to be built in the township to accommodate the resort vacationers coming to the area.

The expanding national highway system brought I-75 through Independence Township in 1962, spurring both business and residential development.

Many farms gave way to subdivisions and strip malls as Independence Township continued evolving into part of Metropolitan Detroit.

Clarkston High School offers twenty-six varsity sports, and competes in the Oakland Activities Association.

Renaissance students are encouraged to participate in athletics, clubs and extracurricular activities offered at Clarkston High School.

Sashabaw Middle School is located at 5565 Pine Knob Lane in Independence Township.

[20] Oakhurst was the home of the 99th Michigan Amateur[21] Pine Knob is a ski resort located in Independence Township.

[23] Atop Waterford Hill is Olympus Circle, the highest elevation of any residential street in Independence Township.

[24] The Clinton River winds its way through Independence Township creating more than thirty named lakes of all sizes along the way.