Grace Shackman, local historian and author
A comparison of two Washtenaw County towns: Manchester and Saline
While these two towns, both founded in the 1830s, thrived in the 19th century, today Saline has four times the population. Manchester, with hydro power provided by the River Raisin and two railroad lines passing through, was a major force in the 19th century, but lost this status when automobiles and electric power took over. Meanwhile Saline, with major highway U.S. 12 crossing the state and passing through it, continues to thrive.