Kalamazoo can trace its beginings to 1829 when the first settler, Titus Bronson, built a cabin at the current corner of Church and Water Streets. Bronson owned most of the land which he layed out a village named after him. The postoffice was established in 1832 and the land office in 1833. The village was selected as the county seat in 1836 and the first Court House was erected. In 1838 the village was renamed Kalamazoo by the State Legislature. Yet, it would not be fully organized until 1843. Rapid growth would see the village become a city in 1884.

Kalamazoo's growth was fueled by great industries. With a railroad link to Chicago and Detroit by 1852 several companies were drawn to the area. Over the next century Kalamazoo would be a center for the production of celery, paper, corsets, taxi cabs, fishing tackle, pharmaceuticals, and stoves. That is naming only a few.

Several colleges would also aid in the city's rise. Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and Western Michigan University continue to impact the community.