Kettering began as part of Van Buren Township, settled in the late 18th century. In 1955, it officially became the City of Kettering, named after Charles F. Kettering, the famed inventor of the automobile self-starter and a longtime resident. His innovative spirit helped shape the city’s identity as a forward-thinking community. Kettering is also home to historic landmarks such as the Patterson Homestead, an early 19th-century home tied to the family of John H. Patterson, founder of NCR. The city also values its cultural legacy, with the Fraze Pavilion becoming a hub for concerts and community gatherings. Today, Kettering blends deep historical roots with a thriving modern identity, balancing tradition with progress.