Trenton is a small shoreline community on the banks of the Detroit River. Once populated with hardwood forests and the home of the Potawatomi Indians, Trenton later became known for its shipbuilding companies. Founded by Abram Truax in 1816 and platted in 1834, the town's name was originally Truaxton, was later changed to Truago, and since 1847 has been known as Trenton—a type of limestone mined from a local quarry. At one time, the city was touted as a center of diversified business and manufacturing in the Midwest.