History of Michigan, USA

1805 - Michigan Territory created, seat of government established in Detroit; much of Detroit destroyed by fire
In 1805, the Michigan Territory was officially established by the United States government, marking a significant moment in the region's history. The territory was created to govern the land acquired by the U.S. in the Northwest Territory, encompassing the area that would eventually become the state of Michigan. As part of this establishment, the seat of government was set in Detroit, a bustling frontier town and a key strategic location due to its proximity to the Great Lakes.

However, the same year, Detroit faced a devastating setback when a large portion of the town was destroyed by a massive fire. The fire, which broke out on June 11, 1805, destroyed nearly all of the existing wooden buildings in the town, including homes, businesses, and government buildings.
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1835 - Conflict with Ohio (Toledo War) over border; Ohio granted lands around Toledo, Michigan received entire Upper Peninsula
The Toledo War, a boundary dispute between the states of Ohio and Michigan, erupted in 1835 over a 468-square-mile area known as the Toledo Strip. Both states claimed ownership of this land, which was located along the border between them. The conflict stemmed from unclear wording in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which established the borders of several future states, including Ohio and Michigan.

The dispute escalated to the point where both sides mobilized militias, but fortunately, no bloodshed occurred. Congress intervened by offering Michigan the western two-thirds of the Upper Peninsula in exchange for ceding the Toledo Strip to Ohio. In December 1836, Michigan accepted the deal, known as the Frostbitten Convention, in part because the state was in dire financial straits and the Upper Peninsula was believed to be largely worthless at the time. This resolution, while resolving the immediate conflict, had long-term consequences, as the Upper Peninsula later proved to be rich... Read MORE...

1837 - Michigan became 26th U. S. state

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1847 - November 21 - Steamer "Phoenix" is lost on Lake Michigan, kills 200
On November 21, 1847, tragedy struck Lake Michigan with the loss of the steamer "Phoenix." The vessel, carrying around 200 passengers and crew, met its demise in a violent storm. The exact cause of the disaster remains unclear, but it is believed that the ship either capsized or broke apart due to the extreme weather conditions.

The loss of the "Phoenix" was a devastating event, resulting in the deaths of nearly all on board. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by ships navigating the Great Lakes, especially during the harsh winter months.
onthisday.com
November 21, 1847

1855 - Soo Canal and Locks opened, linked Lake Superior with Lake Huron
In two or three paragraphs, briefly describe this historical event: 1855 - Soo Canal and Locks opened, linked Lake Superior with Lake Huron

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In 1855, the completion of the Soo Canal and Locks marked a significant milestone in the development of transportation in North America. Located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the canal and locks provided a vital link between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, allowing ships to bypass the treacherous rapids of the St. Marys River. This connection was crucial for the shipping industry, as it opened up a more direct route for transporting goods and resources between the eastern and western parts of the continent.

The construction of the canal and locks was a challenging engineering feat, as it involved overcoming the natural barriers posed by the rugged terrain and the powerful currents of the St. Marys River. However, with the completion of the project, ships could now navigate through the locks, which acted as water... Read MORE...

1881 - September 5 - Great "Thumb Fire" (Huron Fire) killed 282 people, damages $2,347,000, was first natural disaster served by American Red Cross (Michigan)

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September 5, 1881

1881 - September 6 - Forest fires in Michigan and Ontario resulted in 'Yellow Day' in the northeastern U.S.
Twenty villages in Michigan burned, and a total of 500 persons were killed. Fires caused 2.3 million dollars in losses near Lake Huron. Candles were needed at the noon hour.
WeatherForYou.com
September 6, 1881

1890 - June 12 – In Michigan, the wooden steamer Ryan is lost near Thunder Bay Island.
On June 12, 1890, the wooden steamer Ryan met its tragic fate near Thunder Bay Island in Michigan. The Ryan was a vessel primarily used for transporting goods and passengers across the Great Lakes, a crucial lifeline for many communities in the region. However, on this fateful day, the Ryan encountered severe weather conditions, including strong winds and rough waters, which ultimately led to its demise.

As the storm intensified, the Ryan struggled to stay afloat, eventually succumbing to the relentless forces of nature and sinking into the depths of Lake Huron. The loss of the Ryan was not only a devastating blow to the maritime industry but also a tragic event that claimed the lives of many crew members and passengers onboard.
June 12, 1890

1891 - A Turtle Dropped from the Clouds
There is much curiosity manifested in Genoa, Mich., about the starting point of a five-inch turtle, which dropped from the clouds about that place during a recent thunder storm. It landed upon its back, with a loud noise, in a small pool before the home of Fred Fless, one mile from Long lake. On several occasions within the past few years showers of angle worms and small fish have fallen in the same vicinity.
The Topeka Daily Capital
Topeka, Kansas
Wed, September 23, 1891

1895 - Michigan
Michigan, mish'e-gan (formerly mish-e-gān'), one the upper Lake states of the American Union, consisting two detached peninsulas, of which the northernmost Lake Superior on the N., Tequamenon Bay and the ri St. Mary on the E., Lakes Huron and Michigan on the and the state of Wisconsin on the S.W.; while the souernmost is bounded on the E. by Lakes HIuron, St. Clair, Erie, and the rivers St. Clair and Detroit, on the W. Lake Michigan, and on the S. by the states of Ohio and Indiana, its northern angle reaching the Strait of Mackinac which divides it from the N. peninsula. The state also includes several islands, of which the largest are Isle Roy and Grand Island in Lake Superior, Drummond and Su?, Islands in Lake Huron, and the Manitou group in Lt? Michigan. Area, 58,915 square miles.

Population.—In 1810 the population was 4762; in 1820, 8896; in 1830, 31,639; in 1840,212,267; in 1850, 397,654; in 1860, 749,113; in 1870, 1,184,059; in 1880, 1,636,937; in 1890, 2,093,889. The number... Read MORE...

1904 - An interesting request
A Michigan woman who has had a husband in the state penitentiary for about five years is evidently getting lonely. She wrote to the governor as follows: "Pleeze your majesty let him cum home, if for no other reason than to see his three children which has been born since he left."
The Argus
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
October 8, 1904

1908 - First Ford Model T manufactured; General Motors founded (Michigan)
In 1908, two pivotal events occurred in the automotive industry that would shape its future. Firstly, the Ford Model T, often considered the first affordable automobile, was manufactured for the first time. This marked a significant shift in transportation, as the Model T revolutionized car ownership by making it accessible to the average American. With its durable design and relatively low cost, the Model T became immensely popular and played a crucial role in the rise of personal transportation.

Secondly, in the same year and in the same state of Michigan, General Motors was founded. Founded by William C. Durant, General Motors would grow to become one of the largest and most influential automobile manufacturers in the world.
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1925 - June 6 – The Chrysler Corporation is founded by Walter Percy Chrysler.
In 1925, on June 6th, the automotive industry saw a significant development with the founding of the Chrysler Corporation by Walter Percy Chrysler. Walter Chrysler was a prominent figure in the automobile world, known for his engineering expertise and business acumen. The creation of the Chrysler Corporation marked a new chapter in American car manufacturing, as the company aimed to compete with established giants like Ford and General Motors.

Chrysler's founding was a strategic move, coming at a time when the automotive industry was rapidly evolving. The company's focus on innovation and quality helped it quickly establish itself as a major player in the market. Chrysler introduced several successful models over the years, contributing to its growth and solidifying its position in the automotive industry.
June 6, 1925

Read more about Walter Percy CHRYSLER

1927 - December 2 – Following 19 years of Ford Model T production, the Ford Motor Company unveils the Ford Model A as its new automobile.
In December 1927, after nearly two decades of producing the iconic Model T, the Ford Motor Company introduced the world to its latest innovation: the Ford Model A. This unveiling marked a significant shift in the automotive industry, as the Model A was designed to replace the outdated Model T, which had become synonymous with affordable and reliable transportation. The Model A was a departure from its predecessor, featuring a more modern design and improved performance, setting a new standard for automobiles of the era.

The Ford Model A was met with great anticipation and excitement from the public, eager to see what advancements Henry Ford and his team had made in the years since the Model T's debut. The new car boasted a sleeker appearance, with a variety of body styles and color options to choose from, making it more appealing to a broader range of consumers.
December 2, 1927

1929 - Ambassador Bridge opened between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario (longest bridge in world when built)
In 1929, a monumental engineering achievement was realized with the opening of the Ambassador Bridge, connecting the cities of Detroit in the United States and Windsor in Canada. This suspension bridge, designed by the renowned engineer Charles Evan Fowler, stretched an impressive 1,850 meters across the Detroit River, making it the longest bridge in the world at the time of its completion. Its construction represented a significant milestone in the development of transportation infrastructure, facilitating trade and travel between the United States and Canada.

The Ambassador Bridge quickly became a symbol of the strong economic and cultural ties between the two neighboring countries. Its strategic location played a crucial role in fostering growth in the automotive industry, allowing for the efficient movement of goods and people.
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February 9, 1934 - The mercury dipped to 51 degrees below zero at Vanderbilt to establish a record for the state of Michigan.

WeatherForYou.com
February 9, 1934

1941 - Bounty Hunting
In Michigan, a 1941 act titled “An act to provide for the payment of bounties for the killing of starlings and crows,” offered any citizen a bounty of three cents per each starling killed and ten cents per crow—so long as they were presented in “a state of good preservation.” The law was repealed in 2006.
rd.com

1957 - Mackinac Bridge "Big Mac" opened
The opening of the Mackinac Bridge, nicknamed "Big Mac," in 1957 was a monumental event in the history of Michigan and the United States. The Mackinac Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac to connect the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. At the time of its completion, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a total length of approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers). The bridge's construction was a significant engineering feat, as it had to withstand harsh weather conditions and the strong currents of the straits.

The opening of the Mackinac Bridge had a profound impact on the region, as it provided a direct link between the two peninsulas, replacing the time-consuming and sometimes hazardous ferry services that were previously used.
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2023 - Michigan has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Great Lakes State:
Visit the Motor City, Detroit:

Explore the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village to learn about America's industrial history.

Check out the Detroit Institute of Arts, home to an impressive collection of art from around the world.

Don't miss the Motown Museum, where you can learn about the history of Motown music.

Catch a game at one of Detroit's professional sports stadiums, like Comerica Park (baseball) or Ford Field (football).

Hike in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:

This stunning area along Lake Superior's shoreline features colorful sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and clear blue waters. Hiking trails offer breathtaking views.

Explore Mackinac Island:

Take a ferry to this charming island where cars are banned, and transportation is by horse-drawn carriage or bicycle.

Visit the historic Grand Hotel, bike around the island, and enjoy the famous fudge.

Go Wine Tasting in Traverse City:

The Traverse City area is known for its vineyards and wineries. ... Read MORE...