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
Michigan played an important role in the Women's Suffrage Movement. In 1918, Michigan became the first state in the Midwest to grant women the right to vote, two years before the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Michigan random facts
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.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history 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