Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan, and the county seat of Washtenaw County. It is the fifth largest city in Michigan and the principal city of the Ann Arbor Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor is also included in the Greater Detroit Combined Statistical Area and the Great Lakes Megalopolis.

History

The area was first settled by Europeans in 1824, with the village of Ann Arbor being founded in 1825 by land speculators John Allen and Elisha Rumsey. The origin of the name "Ann Arbor" is typically attributed to the wives of the village's founders (both named Ann) and the stands of bur oak trees native to the area. The University of Michigan, originally located in Detroit, moved to Ann Arbor in 1837 and is a central part of the city's economy and culture today.

Geography

Ann Arbor is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.70 square miles, of which 27.83 square miles is land and 0.87 square miles is water. The city is situated on the Huron River, about 35 miles west of Detroit.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, Ann Arbor had a population of 123,851. The city exhibits a diverse demographic profile with a significant number of residents being affiliated with the University of Michigan.

Economy

The economy of Ann Arbor is heavily centered around education, high tech, and biotechnology. The University of Michigan is the dominant institution in the city, providing significant employment and economic contributions. Several technology companies have been founded in Ann Arbor or have moved to the city because of the resources and research capabilities available through the university.

Culture

Ann Arbor is known for its cultural offerings, especially in music, art, and food. The city hosts the annual Ann Arbor Art Fair, a four-day event that draws artists and visitors from across the nation. Other cultural highlights include the Michigan Theater, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, and a vibrant downtown that features numerous galleries, bookstores, and restaurants.

Education

The University of Michigan is the cornerstone of higher education in Ann Arbor, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The city is also served by the Ann Arbor Public Schools district, which includes several National Blue Ribbon Schools.

Transportation

Ann Arbor is served by the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA), which operates buses throughout the city and surrounding areas. The city also has an Amtrak station, which connects it to Chicago and Detroit.

Government

Ann Arbor has a council-manager system of government. The Mayor of Ann Arbor is elected in citywide vote and serves as the chief executive officer of the city. The city council consists of ten members, two from each of the city's five wards. The council oversees the general administration, makes policy, and sets the budget.

Notable People

Several notable individuals have come from Ann Arbor, including musician Bob Seger, Google co-founder Larry Page, and actress Lucy Liu.

See Also

• List of mayors of Ann Arbor
• Ann Arbor Police Department
• Ann Arbor Public Library