National Register Listings in Washtenaw County, Michigan
Anderson, William, House
Ann Arbor Central Fire Station
Annin, Joseph, House
Bell Road Bridge
Bell-Spalding House
Bennett, Henry, House
Brinkerhoff-Becker House
Chelsea Commercial Historic District
Church, Zalmon, House
Davenport, William H., House
Delhi Bridge
Delta Upsilon Fraternity House
Detroit Observatory
Detroit, Hillsdale and Indiana Railroad-Saline Depot
Devereaux, Nathan B., Octagon House
Dixboro United Methodist Church
Earl, Thomas, House
East Michigan Avenue Historic District
Eastern Michigan University Historic District
First National Bank Building
Forbes, Jortin, House
Fountain-Bessac House
Friend-Hack House
Frieze, Henry S., House
Germania Building Complex
Goodyear Block
Gordon Hall
Goss, Arnold and Gertrude, House
Guthard, Charles, House
Harris Hall
Highland Cemetery
Hoffstetter, Jacob, House
Kellogg-Warden House
Ladies' Literary Club Building
Litchfield, James, House
Lutz, George R., House
Main Street Historic District
Main Street Post Office
Mechem, Floyd R., House
Metcalf, Robert C. and Bettie J. (Sponseller), House
Methodist Episcopal Church Parsonage
Michigan Central Railroad Chelsea Depot
Michigan Central Railroad Depot
Michigan Theater Building
Miller-Walker House
Muschenheim, William and Elizabeth (Bodanzky), House
Newberry Hall
Nickels Arcade
North Ann Arbor Street Historic District
Northern Brewery
Oakwood Cemetery Mausoleum
Old West Side Historic District
Palmer, George W., House
Palmer, William B. and Mary Shuford, House
Parker Mill Complex
Pease Auditorium
President's House, University Of Michigan
Rentschler, Emanuel and Elizabeth, Farmstead
Saint Mary's School
Salem Methodist Episcopal Church and Salem Walker Cemetery
Saline First Presbyterian Church
Schuyler Mill-Ford Soybean Plant Complex
St. Patrick's Parish Complex
Starkweather Religious Center
Stone School
Sturm, Louis, House
Sutherland, Landgford and Lydia McMichael, Farmstead
Ticknor, Dr. Benajah, House
Tuomy Hills Service Station
Union Block
Unitarian Universalist Church
University Of Michigan Central Campus Historic District
Van Duzer, Samuel D., House
Wallace Block-Old Saline Village Hall
Watson, Henry R., House
Weinmann Block
White, Orrin, House
Wilson, Judge Robert S., House
Ypsilanti Historic District
Ypsilanti Historic District (Boundary Increase)
Ypsilanti Water Works Stand Pipe
About Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County Timeline
Washtenaw County, located in southeastern Michigan, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, particularly the Ojibwe and Potawatomi, who made use of the fertile land along the Huron River for farming and trade. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, establishing a small community called Ann Arbor.
The county was officially established in 1826 and was named after the Native American term for the river that runs through it, "Wash-ten-ong," meaning "faraway water." The area quickly grew in the 19th century, thanks to its proximity to Detroit and its favorable agricultural conditions. The construction of the Michigan Central Railroad in the 1830s further boosted the county's economic development, as it provided a direct connection to other major cities.
In the mid-19th century, education became a significant focus in Washtenaw County with the establishment of the University of Michigan in 1837. The university's presence brought intellectual and cultural wealth to the area, attracting scholars and professionals who contributed to the county's growth. Ann Arbor, the county seat, developed into a vibrant college town, known for its progressive thinking and innovative spirit.
Over the years, Washtenaw County has also played a significant role in American history. During the Civil War, it was a hub of anti-slavery sentiment and actively participated in the Underground Railroad. The county also witnessed activism during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Today, Washtenaw County continues to thrive as a hub of education, technology, and culture. Its cities and towns, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Chelsea, are known for their vibrant arts scenes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and diverse communities. The county remains a key center for research, innovation, and higher education in Michigan.
The county was officially established in 1826 and was named after the Native American term for the river that runs through it, "Wash-ten-ong," meaning "faraway water." The area quickly grew in the 19th century, thanks to its proximity to Detroit and its favorable agricultural conditions. The construction of the Michigan Central Railroad in the 1830s further boosted the county's economic development, as it provided a direct connection to other major cities.
In the mid-19th century, education became a significant focus in Washtenaw County with the establishment of the University of Michigan in 1837. The university's presence brought intellectual and cultural wealth to the area, attracting scholars and professionals who contributed to the county's growth. Ann Arbor, the county seat, developed into a vibrant college town, known for its progressive thinking and innovative spirit.
Over the years, Washtenaw County has also played a significant role in American history. During the Civil War, it was a hub of anti-slavery sentiment and actively participated in the Underground Railroad. The county also witnessed activism during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Today, Washtenaw County continues to thrive as a hub of education, technology, and culture. Its cities and towns, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Chelsea, are known for their vibrant arts scenes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and diverse communities. The county remains a key center for research, innovation, and higher education in Michigan.
Washtenaw County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Washtenaw County, Michigan.
- 1822 - Initial settlement by European-Americans begins in Washtenaw County
- 1826 - Ann Arbor established as the county seat
- 1829 - University of Michigan founded in Ann Arbor
- 1835 - Washtenaw County officially organized
- 1843 - First railroad line constructed in the county
- 1861 - Civil War begins, many residents from Washtenaw County enlist
- 1896 - The first automobile in Washtenaw County is driven in Ann Arbor
- 1959 - Willow Run Airport (now Willow Run Airport) opens
- 1963 - The Beatles perform at the University of Michigan's Hill Auditorium
- 1970 - Student protests against the Vietnam War occur at the University of Michigan
- 1983 - Washtenaw County Historical Society established to preserve local history
- 1999 - Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission created to manage parks and trails