Michigan
Michigan: The Great Lakes State
Michigan, recognized as the “Great Lakes State”, is a U.S. state nestled in the Great Lakes region of the upper Midwestern United States. The name Michigan is rooted in the Ojibwe term mishigami, signifying “large water” or “large lake”.
Geographical Features
Comprising of two main peninsulas, the Lower Peninsula, shaped like a mitten, forms the bulk of the state’s land area. The Upper Peninsula, often referred to as “the U.P.”, is separated from the Lower Peninsula by the Straits of Mackinac. They are connected by the Mackinac Bridge. Michigan is also adorned with 64,980 inland lakes and ponds.
Historical Timeline
Native American Inhabitance
The first inhabitants of the area were a succession of Native American tribes. In the 17th century, French explorers claimed the region as part of the New France colony.
17th Century
The first permanent European settlement was established in 1668 by Pere Jacques Marquette in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
18th Century
In 1701, French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founded Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit on the strait, known as the Detroit River.
19th Century
Following the American Revolutionary War, Michigan was part of the larger Northwest Territory until 1800. The area was admitted into the Union in 1837 as the 26th state, a free one.
20th-21st Centuries
At the turn of the 20th century, the automotive industry developed in the area, led by visionaries such as Ransom E. Olds, John and Horace Dodge, Henry Leland, David Dunbar Buick, Henry Joy, Charles King, and Henry Ford.
Modern Day
Present-day Michigan is a hub of manufacturing, forestry, agriculture, services, and high-tech industry. The state’s largest city, Detroit, is among the nation’s most populous and largest metropolitan economies.
The People of Michigan
This state has a diverse population, comprised of Native Americans, French-Canadians, Metis, and other settlers. Migration from Appalachia and Black Southerners increased in the 1930s, with many settling in Metro Detroit.
Education in The Great Lakes State
The state boasts a robust education system, which includes institutions such as the University of Michigan, founded in 1817, and Michigan State University, established in 1855.
Michigan’s Economy
The state economy experienced a significant transformation in the 20th century, with the development of the automotive industry. The state is home to the country’s three major automobile companies. Other key sectors include forestry, agriculture, manufacturing, services, and high-tech industry.
Michigan’s Contribution to Music
Immigrants and migrants have greatly contributed to Detroit’s diverse urban culture, including popular music trends. The influential Motown Sound of the 1960s was led by a variety of individual singers and groups.
Michigan Today
Today, Michigan continues to be a major player in the United States’ economy, with a diverse industry base and a vibrant cultural scene. Its history, geographical features, educational institutions, and economic opportunities make it a fascinating state to explore.