Cities In Michigan - Quick Facts, History & Geography
Michigan Quick Facts
Michigan became the 26th state to join the United States on January 26, 1837. Michigan is the 11th largest state by land area, with a total of 96,714 square miles. There are a total of 276 cities in Michigan as well as 83 counties, 257 villages and 1,240 townships. Michigan has a larger percentage of water than any other state at 41.54%. The state nickname is the "Great Lakes State". The capital city of Michigan was once called Michigan, Michigan. It was later renamed to Lansing, Michigan. The largest city in Michigan is Detroit, with a population of 672,351 residents. Michigan is the 10th largest city by population with over 10 million residents. Michigan is often called the "Motor City" due to its historical significance in the development of the automobile industry. There are more than 1,000 shipwrecks in the Michigan area and the state has several underwater preserves where visitors can explore these historic sites. Michigan also has the longest freshwater coastline at more than 3,200 miles. Michigan was the first state to outlaw the death penalty in 1846. Kellogg's first factory was in Michigan, located in Battle Creek in 1906. The meaning of Michigan is "large lake". Holland, Michigan is home to an authentic 250 year old Dutch windmill. Famous former and current residents of Minnesota include Taylor Lautner, David Spade, Selma Blair, Burt Reynolds, Sonny Bono, Dean Cain, Anthony Kiedis, Madonna and Kristen Bell.
The History of Michigan
Michigan was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Ojibwa, Ottawa, Potawatomi and Huron. In the early 17th century, French explorers, led by Samuel de Champlain and Étienne Brûlé, ventured into the region, establishing trade relationships with the Native Americans for valuable furs. After the French and Indian War in the mid-18th century, Michigan came under British control. Following the American Revolution, the region was ceded to the United States through the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Michigan would then become an official state in 1837. During the 19th century, Michigan underwent significant industrial development, particularly in Detroit. The city became a major center of the automotive industry, with the founding of companies like Ford, General Motors and Chrysler. Michigan has also made significant contributions to the music industry. Detroit became known as the "Motown" capital of the world and produced renowned artists and shaped the history of popular music. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Michigan has faced economic challenges, particularly in the automotive industry during times of recession. However, it has diversified its economy and embraced technological advancements, becoming a hub for research and development.
The Geography of Michigan
Michigan is bordered by Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. The geography of Michigan is very unique as it is the only state to be divided into two peninsulas, the Lower and the Upper Peninsula. The Lower Peninsula is the larger of the two peninsulas and is characterized by rolling hills, colorful plains and numerous lakes. The Lower Peninsula is the more populous and economically significant part of the state, with major cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Ann Arbor. The Upper Peninsula is sparsely populated and boasts rugged wilderness, including forests, mountains and numerous waterfalls. It is also known for its mining and lumber industries. Michigan's geography is heavily influenced by its connection to the Great Lakes, which contain approximately one-fifth of the world's freshwater supply. Large sections of Michigan are covered by forests, including hardwood forests in the southern part of the state and coniferous forests in the northern regions. Michigan is also home to several major urban centers, with Detroit being the largest and most prominent and Grand Rapids being the second largest, followed by Warren.
Michigan Relocation Guide
As the center of the automotive industry, Michigan has been in the news for all the wrong reasons over the last few years. Detroit is its heart and soul, but there is more to Michigan than just a bunch of automotive plants. Divided into two parts, the state features both a nice lower portion and an Upper Peninsula that is driven by a lot of tourism. People come to the lake cities in the upper peninsula during the summer, as it allows them to get away from the heat and enjoy some great locations. There are attractions in that part of the state, and you can find many great hotels in the major cities, too.
The local economic outlook for most Michigan cities has been somewhat bleak over the last few years, but it is still a great state in many ways. Michigan boasts a great educations system, with some of the top universities calling it home. Likewise, the cost of living in many of the cities has dropped to a point where it can make a lot of financial sense to live there. The home buying opportunities are plentiful for those people who can stand the biting cold that comes along with living near the Great Lakes.
Crime rates in Michigan cities are (on average) lower than the national average. Larger cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids do have higher crime rates and care should be taken when looking for a safe neighborhood in those cities.
