National Register Listings in
Lenawee County, Michigan

Adrian Engine House No. 1 Adrian Public Library Blissfield Downtown Historic District Brookside Cemetery Carpenter, David, House Catlin, Dr. Samuel, House Civil War Memorial Clark Memorial Hall Clinton Downtown Historic District Croswell, Gov. Charles, House Davenport Hotel Dennis and State Streets Historic District Dennis and State Streets Historic District (Boundary Increase) Downtown Adrian Commercial Historic District Evans, Musgrove, House First Presbyterian Church of Blissfield Goodrich, Heman R., House Hall, Dr. Leonard, House Hall, Joseph E., House Hayden, William, House Horton, George B. and Amanda Bradish, Farmstead Hudson Downtown Historic District Irish Hills Towers Jackson Branch Bridge No. 15 Keeney, John W. and Erena Alexander Rogers, Farm Kempf, George J., House Lenawee County Courthouse Palmer, Lorenzo and Ruth Wells, House Pennington, John-Ford, Henry, House Raisin Valley Friends Meetinghouse Saint Elizabeth's Church Saint Joseph Church and Shrine Saint Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church and Cambridge Township Cemetery Sparks, G. P., House St. John's Lutheran Church St. Mary of Good Counsel Catholic Church Tecumseh Downtown Historic District Tecumseh Historic District Tecumseh Historic District (Boundary Increase) Temple, Samuel W., House Thompson, Gamaliel, House Van Wagoner, Murray D., Memorial Bridge Walker Tavern Walker's, S., Hotel Wheeler, Nathaniel S., House
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan was once a major center for copper mining. The Keweenaw Peninsula was home to the largest concentration of copper mines in the world in the mid-19th century, and copper was an important natural resource for the state's economy.
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.