In the 19th century, settlers from New York and New England migrated to Macomb County, attracted to the area by the promise of land and jobs. They found themselves among French, English, German and Belgian immigrants who first set foot in the area around the 17th century. Centuries before the Europeans arrived, however, the Ojibwe called Macomb County their home.
Formally organized on January 15, 1818, Macomb was the third county formed in the Michigan territory. With an average population of 840,978, Macomb County is now the third most populous county in the state.
Named in honor of Alexander Macomb Jr., a highly decorated hero of the war of 1812, Macomb County formerly covered a much larger area than it does today. Large portions of the county were reallocated to form Oakland, Lapeer, Genesee and St. Clair counties.
Today Macomb County is home to 28 cities, townships and villages. It’s also home to more than 130 parks covering 12,000 acres. Macomb’s four major public parks include Freedom Hill County Park, Macomb Orchard Trail, Metro Beach Metropark and Stony Creek Metropark. A haven for boat lovers, Macomb County boasts 31 miles of shoreline and over 100 marinas.