India, Nov. 5 -- By the time Henry Ford started purchasing land around the Michigan side of the Rouge River in the early 20th century, he was creating a large-scale setting for his country home. He owned more than 2,000 acres by 1909, surrounding the area known today as Fair Lane in Dearborn. It comprised forestland, farmland, and river land. The National Park Service nomination for the property describes it as a natural bird and game sanctuary for the Ford family.

The area comprising the Fair Lane home and gardens during the Fords' residence covered approximately 1,260 acres, according to the National Park Service. Of this area, 1,180 acres consisted of woodlands, farms, and orchards, while 60 acres were devoted to gardens and landscapi...