Two hundred years ago, Washtenaw County was a landscape of riverbanks, forests and farmland, with early settlements forming along waterways and travel routes. When the county was officially established in 1826, it was still a frontier region, defined more by natural features than by formal boundaries or shared civic life.
What followed was not a single, tidy narrative, but a county built piece by piece — shaped by land, labor and the steady arrival of people looking to build farms, businesses and communities.
Two centuries of change
Over the next 200 years, Washtenaw County changed alongside the state and the nation. Agriculture anchored early life, while rivers powered mills and small industries. Railroads and roads reshaped commerce and movement. Manufacturing expanded and later declined, giving way to an economy increasingly driven by education, health care, research and technology.
Population growth and migration brought new cultures and perspectives, reshaping neighborhoods and townships. At the same time, debates over land use, growth, preservation and public investment became central to civic life. Through every shift, county government evolved as a connective structure — coordinating courts, transportation, public health and shared services across communities with very different needs and identities.
Why the Bicentennial matters now
Two-hundred years of change are at the heart of the county’s bicentennial in 2026. Framed as both a celebration and a moment of perspective, the anniversary highlights how Washtenaw County came to be, what has endured and how it continues to adapt.
Organizers have emphasized public engagement, arts and culture and historical interpretation, creating opportunities for residents to connect with the county’s past in accessible ways. The focus is less on nostalgia and more on understanding how shared institutions, land and infrastructure shaped daily life — and how today’s choices will shape what comes next.
As Washtenaw County enters its third century, the bicentennial offers a chance to recognize the many paths that led here and to consider how a county built on connection can continue to evolve in the decades ahead.
RELATED Where to Make Friends in Ann Arbor
Washtenaw County 2026 Bicentennial Events
As announced to date; additional events may be added throughout the year.
April 13, 2026: State of the County Address
The official kickoff of the county’s bicentennial year, featuring reflections on Washtenaw County’s history, current priorities and future direction.
Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor
Summer 2026 (Dates TBD): Art Walk — Washtenaw County Bicentennial Series
A countywide celebration of visual arts and community creativity, with exhibitions and installations highlighting local artists and shared history.
Locations TBD, will vary across Washtenaw County
Fall 2026 (Date TBD): Washtenaw County Bicentennial Legacy Gala
An evening event honoring county history, civic leadership and the stories that have shaped Washtenaw County over 200 years.
Location TBD, Ann Arbor
Throughout 2026: “Along the Waterways of Washtenaw County” Exhibit
An educational exhibit exploring the role of rivers and waterways in early settlement, industry, and regional development, presented by the Washtenaw County Historical Society.
The Museum on Main Street, 500 N Main St, Ann Arbor
