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History of Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Journey back in time to Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Explore Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Ann Arbor


MICHIGAN PRIDE - "I'm from Michigan" Ceramic Mug
Embrace your Michigan pride with a touch of humor and a splash of local charm! This mug features the playful caption: "I'm from Michigan! That explains a lot about my love for donuts with weird names and wearing flip-flops in winter."

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
Discover Ann Arbor: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1824 - Ann Arbor was founded in 1824, with one theory stating that it is named after the spouses of the city's founders and for the stands of trees in the area.
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
1837 - The University of Michigan moved from Detroit to Ann Arbor in 1837.
1854 - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, a flourishing city, capital of Washtenaw county, Michigan, on Huron river, and on the Michigan Central railroad, 40 miles W. from Detroit. It has the reputation of being one of the most pleasant and healthy places in the state. The site is elevated and dry, and the town is regularly laid out. The state university established at this place in 1 837, is a flourishing and liberally endowed institution, attended by over 200 students. The buildings are large and pleasantly situated. A fund has been commenced by the citizens of Detroit for the erection of an observatory here; and the citizens of Ann Arbor have made liberal do nations for the increase of the university library. Ann Arbor is situated in an excellent farming district, has an active trade, and contains manufactories' of wool, iron, ploughs, and flour, for which the river furnishes motive-power. The city also contains a bank, an academy, and several churches. In respect to population, it is probably the second town in ... Read MORE...
Ann Arbor, a flourishing city, capital of Washtenaw county, Michigan, on Huron river, and on the Michigan Central railroad, 40 miles W. from Detroit. It has the reputation of being one of the most pleasant and healthy places in the state. The site is elevated and dry, and the town is regularly laid out. The state university established at this place in 1 837, is a flourishing and liberally endowed institution, attended by over 200 students. The buildings are large and pleasantly situated. A fund has been commenced by the citizens of Detroit for the erection of an observatory here; and the citizens of Ann Arbor have made liberal do nations for the increase of the university library. Ann Arbor is situated in an excellent farming district, has an active trade, and contains manufactories' of wool, iron, ploughs, and flour, for which the river furnishes motive-power. The city also contains a bank, an academy, and several churches. In respect to population, it is probably the second town in ... Read MORE...
1887 - Two Freights Collide.
ANN ARBOR, Sept. 7. - This morning a freight train going west on the Central drawn by engine No. 219, crashed into the rear end of a freight train standing on the main track about twenty rods east of the depot. The engine, tender and four freight cars and caboose were badly wrecked. The fault apparently lies with the conductor of the train that was struck, as he neglected to have the semaphore raised. The train coming around a curve, Engineer Winans, of 219, did not see the other until within three car lengths. He had just time to reverse and jump. Not a single train man of the head train was at the rear. The damage is from $3,500 to $4,500, and traffic was interrupted three hours.
Saginaw News
Saginaw, Michigan
September 8, 1887
ANN ARBOR, Sept. 7. - This morning a freight train going west on the Central drawn by engine No. 219, crashed into the rear end of a freight train standing on the main track about twenty rods east of the depot. The engine, tender and four freight cars and caboose were badly wrecked. The fault apparently lies with the conductor of the train that was struck, as he neglected to have the semaphore raised. The train coming around a curve, Engineer Winans, of 219, did not see the other until within three car lengths. He had just time to reverse and jump. Not a single train man of the head train was at the rear. The damage is from $3,500 to $4,500, and traffic was interrupted three hours.
Saginaw News
Saginaw, Michigan
September 8, 1887
1895 - Ann Arbor
Ann Ar’bor, a city of Michigan, and the capital of Washtenaw co., is pleasantly situated on the Huron River, and on the Michigan Central Railroad, 38 miles W. of Detroit, 38 miles E. of Jackson, and 246 miles E. by N. from Chicago. It has 13 churches, a national bank, 2 savings banks, a high-school building which cost $90,000, several large hotels, 3 breweries, and manufactures of agricultural implements, carriages, furniture, paper, woollen goods, sash, blinds, also a street electric railway system, gas- and electric light-works, and many fine residences, &c. It is the seat of the University of Michigan, which was founded in 1837 and is liberally endowed by the state, having an annual income of about $400,000. Its students number about 2700, and its Faculty about 120. It comprises, besides the literary department, colleges or departments of medicine, law, dental surgery, pharmacy, and mechanical engineering. It has a hall erected at a cost of $120,000, an astronomical observatory, a... Read MORE...
Ann Ar’bor, a city of Michigan, and the capital of Washtenaw co., is pleasantly situated on the Huron River, and on the Michigan Central Railroad, 38 miles W. of Detroit, 38 miles E. of Jackson, and 246 miles E. by N. from Chicago. It has 13 churches, a national bank, 2 savings banks, a high-school building which cost $90,000, several large hotels, 3 breweries, and manufactures of agricultural implements, carriages, furniture, paper, woollen goods, sash, blinds, also a street electric railway system, gas- and electric light-works, and many fine residences, &c. It is the seat of the University of Michigan, which was founded in 1837 and is liberally endowed by the state, having an annual income of about $400,000. Its students number about 2700, and its Faculty about 120. It comprises, besides the literary department, colleges or departments of medicine, law, dental surgery, pharmacy, and mechanical engineering. It has a hall erected at a cost of $120,000, an astronomical observatory, a... Read MORE...
1916
Ann Arbor, a city of Michigan, and the capital of Washtenaw co., is pleasantly situated on the Huron River and on the Michigan Central and the Ann Arbor Rs., 38 miles W. of Detroit and 248 miles E. by N. of Chicago. It has important manufactures of agricultural implements, carriages, furniture, paper, woollen goods, sash, blinds, boots and shoes, engines and boilers, pianos, organs, and machinery. It is the seat of the University of Michigan, which was founded in 1837, and is liberally endowed by the state, it being a state institution. It has an extensive (acuity, and was attended in 1902-03 by 3900 students. It comprises, besides the literary department, colleges or departments of medicine, law, dental surgery, pharmacy, engineering, etc. It has an astronomical observatory (lat. 42* 18' 48" N., lon. 83° 43' 48" W.), a general library of upward of 120,000 volumes, law and medical libraries, and extensive cabinets of natural history. Pop. in 1890, 9431 ; in 1900, 14,509.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Ann Arbor, a city of Michigan, and the capital of Washtenaw co., is pleasantly situated on the Huron River and on the Michigan Central and the Ann Arbor Rs., 38 miles W. of Detroit and 248 miles E. by N. of Chicago. It has important manufactures of agricultural implements, carriages, furniture, paper, woollen goods, sash, blinds, boots and shoes, engines and boilers, pianos, organs, and machinery. It is the seat of the University of Michigan, which was founded in 1837, and is liberally endowed by the state, it being a state institution. It has an extensive (acuity, and was attended in 1902-03 by 3900 students. It comprises, besides the literary department, colleges or departments of medicine, law, dental surgery, pharmacy, engineering, etc. It has an astronomical observatory (lat. 42* 18' 48" N., lon. 83° 43' 48" W.), a general library of upward of 120,000 volumes, law and medical libraries, and extensive cabinets of natural history. Pop. in 1890, 9431 ; in 1900, 14,509.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
2023 - Ann Arbor is a fantastic city with a lot to offer. Whether you're into cultural experiences, outdoor activities, or just good food, there's something for everyone. Here's a list to get you started:
University of Michigan Campus: Take a stroll through the beautiful U of M campus. The Law Quad and the Diag are particularly picturesque.
Nichols Arboretum: Also known as the Arb, this is a serene place for nature lovers. It's great for hiking, picnics, or just relaxing.
Kerrytown District: A charming historic area with unique shops, the Ann Arbor Farmers' Market, and some great restaurants. Don't miss Zingerman's Deli for an iconic Ann Arbor experience.
Michigan Theater: Catch a movie or a live performance at this historic venue. It's a beautiful space that often hosts interesting events.
Graffiti Alley: Near the Michigan Theater, this alley is covered in vibrant street art. It's a great spot for Instagram-worthy photos.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum: If you're a fan of plants, these gardens are a treat. They offer a wide variety of landscapes and plant collections.
Hill Auditorium: Check the schedule for concerts and events. The acoustics in this ... Read MORE...
University of Michigan Campus: Take a stroll through the beautiful U of M campus. The Law Quad and the Diag are particularly picturesque.
Nichols Arboretum: Also known as the Arb, this is a serene place for nature lovers. It's great for hiking, picnics, or just relaxing.
Kerrytown District: A charming historic area with unique shops, the Ann Arbor Farmers' Market, and some great restaurants. Don't miss Zingerman's Deli for an iconic Ann Arbor experience.
Michigan Theater: Catch a movie or a live performance at this historic venue. It's a beautiful space that often hosts interesting events.
Graffiti Alley: Near the Michigan Theater, this alley is covered in vibrant street art. It's a great spot for Instagram-worthy photos.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum: If you're a fan of plants, these gardens are a treat. They offer a wide variety of landscapes and plant collections.
Hill Auditorium: Check the schedule for concerts and events. The acoustics in this ... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Ann Arbor Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
We currently have information about 249 ancestors who were born or died in Ann Arbor.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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