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Corktown is the oldest surviving neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan, though it is only half as old as the city itself. Corktown derives its name from the Irish immigrants who settled there; they were primarily from County Cork. By the early 1850's, half of the population of the 8th Ward (which contained Corktown) was residents of Irish descent. Historically, the neighborhood was roughly bounded by Third Street to the east, Grand River Avenue to the north, 12th Street to the west, and Jefferson Avenue/Detroit River to the south.
Originally much larger in area (roughly an area 'within a mile radius of the pitchers mound at Tiger Stadium'), Corktown was reduced in size over the years by urban renewal projects, the building of light industrial facilities and the creation of the Lodge Freeway. The remaining residential section is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a City of Detroit Historic District.
The Corktown Historic District is located directly south of Michigan Avenue, and directly west of the Lodge Freeway. The buildings of the Corktown Historic District are largely private residences, although some Michigan Avenue commercial buildings are open to the public.
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