National Register Listing

Blissfield Downtown Historic District

Roughly bounded by Pearl, Jefferson & Giles Sts., Adrian & Blissfield RR., Blissfield, MI
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Commerce; Industry; Entertainment/recreation; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture commerce industry entertainment recreation transportation
Michigan is home to several famous musicians, including Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Iggy Pop, and Bob Seger. Motown Records, one of the most influential record labels in history, was also founded in Detroit in 1959.
Michigan random facts
Lenawee County, located in southeastern Michigan, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Shawnee. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, with the first permanent settlement established in 1824. The county was named after an Ottawa word meaning "man," paying homage to the Native American heritage.

In the 19th century, Lenawee County developed rapidly thanks to the construction of the Erie Canal, which provided a transportation route for settlers and goods. Agriculture played a crucial role in the county's early development, with farmers producing wheat, corn, and other crops. The county seat, Adrian, was founded in 1826 and quickly became a center for trade and commerce.

The mid-1800s saw the establishment of several educational institutions in Lenawee County. Adrian College was founded in 1859 and still operates as a liberal arts college today. The area also saw significant involvement in the Underground Railroad, with abolitionists helping to guide fugitive slaves to freedom.

In the 20th century, Lenawee County continued to thrive and diversify. Industries such as manufacturing and automobile production brought economic growth and increased employment opportunities. The county's agricultural sector also evolved, with an emphasis on dairy farming and fruit production. Today, Lenawee County is known for its scenic beauty, historic charm, and thriving communities, offering a combination of rural and urban amenities that attract residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lenawee County, Michigan.

  • 1822: Lenawee County is officially organized and established.
  • 1827: Adrian, the county seat, is founded and established.
  • 1830: The Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad reaches Adrian, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
  • 1847: The first newspaper in the county, "The Lenawee Democrat," is published in Adrian.
  • 1861-1865: Lenawee County actively participates in the American Civil War, with many residents serving in Union forces.
  • 1912: The Adrian Training School for Feeble-Minded Children (later known as the Adrian State Home) is established.
  • 1925: Adrian College, a private liberal arts college, is founded.
  • 1959: Devils Lake State Park is officially dedicated, becoming a popular recreation area in the county.
  • 1969: The Croswell Opera House, a historic theater dating back to 1866, is reopened after restoration efforts.
  • 2001: The Michigan International Speedway, a NASCAR racetrack, hosts its first race in Lenawee County.