In 1848, Chelsea pioneers James and Elisha Congdon offered a swath of land to the Michigan Central Railroad for a depot, and the gift was repaid with the birth of a prosperous village. The surviving architecture from Chelseas early days ranges from early-nineteenth-century Greek Revival farmhouses to elegant Italianate storefronts and Victorian-era industrial enterprises.

Thanks to its theater, dining, shopping downtown, and nearby recreational opportunities, Chelsea has become a regional destination. Many old brick buildings are home to antique and interior design shops. Downtown Chelsea still includes essential supplies for residents.

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