101 Michigan History Facts: Everything You Need To Know!

Michigan attracts many tourists every single year, but do you know enough about the history of the state?

Michigan was home to many Native American tribes before European settlers made their way into the state. The first permanent European settlement was made in the year 1668.

Once the state became a part of the Union, it started its journey towards becoming one of the most important states in the country. Rich in minerals such as iron ore, and a major tourist attraction, Michigan has a very stable economy.

The capital of the state is Lansing, and Detroit is one of the most famous cities due to its many booming businesses. Michigan has records to its name, in addition to being home to an actual record label known as the Motown records.

The state was one of President Lincoln's favorites since it was quick to send troops during the Civil War. Since then, Michigan has been able to register itself as one of the nation's assets by contributing to the economy.

The 38th US President, Gerald R. Ford, was brought up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the state was also the birthplace of the Kellogg company. Keep reading for more such facts about Michigan and its history.

If you enjoy reading this article, why not also check out Kansas history facts and Indiana history facts here at Kidadl!

Fun Facts About Michigan's History

Michigan, like all other states of the US, has a pretty complex history.

The earliest known inhabitants of this state were Native American tribes. It is even assumed that the name of the state comes from their language and bears a reference to the many big lakes.

The first European explorers started to arrive in the state in the early 17th century, and within a few years, the first European settlement was founded. The first settlement was founded in the year 1668, in Sault Sainte Marie.

The French missionaries spent a lot of time in the state and consolidated their rule, but it was after the Indian War that the rule was transferred to Great Britain.

Michigan came under the umbrella of America years later, after the American Revolution. The state came to fall under the US territory in the year 1805.

Facts About Michigan's Statehood

Michigan was 26th to be admitted into the Union as a free state. The state does not rank well amongst the largest in the country, but the addition of the Great Lakes into its jurisdiction does add a lot to the area of Michigan.

The state is divided into two parts. There is an Upper Peninsular, which is popularly known as the U.P., and the Lower Peninsula. The landscape is decided largely through the Great Lakes.

The Upper Peninsula is rich in minerals and cuts through northern Wisconsin and Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. The Lower Peninsula, on the other hand, extends from Ohio to Indiana.

The capital of the Michigan territory is Lansing, however, the largest city in the state is Detroit. There is hardly anyone in the world who hasn't heard of Detroit. Being the Motor City, this city attracts many businesses and hence provides employment to many people of the state.

Many motor vehicles are manufactured in the city each year. Many organizations were founded in the state, including Motown Records, General Motors Corp., Chrysler LLS, and Ford Motor Co.

One of the most interesting facts about Detroit is that 11% of the motor vehicles of North America are manufactured here. In addition to this, 17% of the motor vehicles of the total United States are also manufactured in Detroit.

Detroit was also the first home of Michigan State University, which was the first to be founded by any of the American states.

Michigan also happens to be the only state that touches five Great Lakes. Michigan residents benefit greatly from the economic boost that these Great Lakes bring.

The Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula of the Michigan state are joined through the Big Mac or Mackinac bridge.

Facts About Battles Fought In Michigan

Michigan also has a vast battle history.

As with any state with a large lake, it was important for major trade networks to have power over Michigan. The Great Lakes were a great way for inland trade to be carried out.

Whether it be Lake Huron or Lake Michigan, battles were fought in order to make sure that trade went well through these channels.

The state was also one of the first to respond to President Lincoln's call for troops, as it sent thousands of men for the Civil War. The Michigan state was therefore a vital part of the Civil War and the victory of the Union.

Before the start of the Civil War, Michigan participated in the Black Hawk War, the Toledo War, and the war with Mexico. The battles fought on the land of Michigan would include the Battle of Bloody Run, Siege of Fort Detroit, and Battle of Windsor.

Facts About The Early Settlers In Michigan

The early settlers in the state of Michigan are known to have been Native American tribes. There were many tribes in the state, although, the names of a very few tend to prop up in urban knowledge.

Such tribes would include Huron, Ojibwa, and Chippewa. It is in fact assumed by many historians that the name of the state comes from an Ojibwa or Chippewa word which would mean 'large lake'. Although, there is no concrete evidence in the favor of this assumption.

European settlers started arriving in the state of Michigan in the 17th century.

It was France that first sent missionaries to the state of Michigan to make settlements.

In the year 1668, Michigan was established as one of the sites from which the French Catholics would continue their mission, and the French rule on the state continued for a long time. It was only after the French and Indian Wars that the rule of the state was transferred to Great Britain.

The British also had rule and control over the state for a long time, until the state came under the realm of the United States of America after the Revolutionary War.

The territory of the state remained to be a matter of conflict as Ohio and Indiana tried to engulf some parts of the territory, but the Union and the Michigan electorate were able to save the land from such attempts.

Before the French explorers started arriving at Michigan, the Native American tribes thrived on the resources of the land. It is said that Michigan has always been extremely rich in terms of minerals.

Did You Know...

The Detroit-Windsor tunnel under the Detroit River was the first auto-traffic tunnel to be built between two countries.

Cornflakes were invented in Battle Creek in Michigan, by the Kellogg brothers.

Michigan is deemed as the Wolverine State.

Grand Rapids and Detroit were cities where the first scheduled air passages of the United States of America started.

Houghton Lake is the state's largest inland lake.

Michigan is called the Great Lake State.

The state has many universities and research centers. Some notable names would include the University of Michigan, Calvin University, Aquinas College, and Michigan State University.

The state is 184 years old.

The state is split into two parts as a result of the Toledo War.

Before it became a state, Michigan was known as the Michigan Territory.

The Charles Townbridge house is the oldest building in the state.

The first town in Michigan is Sault Ste. Marie.

Michigan got its nickname from the wolverine pelts that fur traders brought to the state.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 101 Michigan history facts: everything you need to know, then why not take a look at Idaho history facts or Oklahoma history facts.