The University of Michigan (U-M, UM, UMich, or U of M), frequently referred to simply as "Michigan," is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1817 in Detroit as the Catholepistemiad, or University of Michigania, 20 years before the Michigan Territory became a state, the University of Michigan is the state's oldest university. In 1821, the university was officially renamed the University of Michigan.