ADRIAN — Lenawee County commissioners formally recognized the City of Adrian’s 200th anniversary on Wednesday, adopting a proclamation that honors its historical legacy, civic milestones, and community contributions.
The proclamation, presented by Commissioner Terry Collins and approved unanimously, outlines Adrian’s development from its 1825 founding by Addison Comstock to its present-day role as a cultural and economic hub in southeast Michigan. Originally named Logan, the city was renamed Adrian just two years later at the request of Comstock’s wife, Sarah, in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
Highlights include Adrian’s early railroad connections, which spurred industrial growth and made it Michigan’s third-largest city by 1860. The resolution also cites the city’s educational and civil rights legacy, including the work of Underground Railroad conductor Laura Haviland and the founding of Adrian College in 1859. Adrian later became known as the “Fence Capital of the World” for its pioneering wire fence industry and played a role in early automotive manufacturing.
The proclamation encourages residents to participate in bicentennial events scheduled to begin July 3.
With more than 20,000 residents today, Adrian remains a center for education, small business, and the arts. The county’s proclamation celebrates the city’s lasting contributions to Michigan’s identity and calls for community engagement throughout the bicentennial year.