Macomb County, a place forged in history. Let’s explore its story. Macomb County was officially established on January 15, 1818. It became the third county in the Michigan Territory. The county is named after Alexander Macomb Jr. He was a war hero from Detroit.
Initially, Macomb County covered a much larger area. But in 1819 and 1820, parts were taken to form Oakland, Lapeer, Genesee, and St. Clair counties.
Before European settlers arrived, the Ojibwe people lived here for centuries. French fur trappers came in the 17th century. They saw the area’s rich resources. Jesuit missionaries also came. A Moravian colony offered refuge to Christianized Indians in 1782. This settlement was along the Clinton River, then called the Huron River. The Chippewa Indians forced them to leave after only four years.
Christian Clemens visited the area in the late 1790s. In 1800, he bought a distillery. It was the first building in what would become Mount Clemens. The next year, he purchased 500 acres. This area was named High Banks. It was platted as the Village of Mount Clemens in 1818.
By 1840, settlers had created farms from the hardwood forests. County villages and townships were established. Besides French and English settlers, Germans and Belgians also came from Europe.
In the 1870s, Mount Clemens gained international fame for its mineral baths. Many believed they had healing properties. Although the stream still exists, interest waned in the early 20th century. Recently, these mineral baths have seen a resurgence.
Macomb County’s population doubled between 1920 and 1930. It grew from 38,103 to 77,146. This was because Selfridge Field was established in 1917. Also, urbanization moved northward from Detroit. From 1950 to 1970, Macomb County’s population grew significantly by 440,000.
Macomb County now covers 479 square miles of land. Sixteen percent is water. As of 2023, its estimated population is 875,101 making it the third-most populous county in Michigan.
Macomb County features over 130 parks. They encompass 12,000 acres. These parks are managed by state, regional, county, and local governments. Major parks include Freedom Hill County Park, Macomb Orchard Trail, Lake St. Clair Metropark, and Stony Creek Metropark. The county has 31 miles of shoreline. Plus, it has over 100 marinas.
Macomb County has shifted politically since the 2010s. The Republican party gained control of the Board of Commissioners after the 2020 elections. Macomb’s socially conservative white voters made it a bellwether.
Macomb County continues to evolve. It balances suburban and urban development. It honors its past while embracing the future. Its location makes it a vital part of the Detroit metropolitan area. The county’s diverse population contributes to its vibrant culture.