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Michigan
Capital:
Lansing
State abbreviation/Postal code:
Mich./MI
Nickname:
Wolverine State
Origin of name:
Based on Chippewa Indian word "meicigama"
meaning "great water" and refers to the Great Lakes.
Briefs on
Michigan:
The place that has embraced the entire beauty of
nature, wonderful treetops, beautiful spring season, apples and cherry
blossom blooming in the rolling terrains, and much more, Michigan is
no less than heaven on earth. The magnificent museums of this place,
the vibrant festivals and exciting nightlife make Michigan a perfect
dream destination. Besides breathtaking beauty Michigan offers various
activities such as golfing, biking, bicycling, gaming etc. to entice
its visitors all the more.
This picturesque place derived its name from the
Lake Michigan, which in turn got its name from the Chippewa Indian
word ‘mishi-gami’ that means ‘great water’. Michigan has an area of
96,716 square kilometers and is bordered by four Great Lakes. The
state is known for its longest freshwater shoreline in the continental
United States and the longest shoreline after Alaska.
 The state of Michigan is made up of two
peninsulas. The Lower Peninsula of Michigan corresponds to the right
palm while the Upper Peninsula is the right palm. Michigan is ranked 8th
because of its fairly good population of 9,938,444 approximately. The
capital of Michigan is the lovely city of Lansing. Lansing is the only
state capital in United States that crosses the borders of the three
countries. The largest city of the state is Detroit. Located on the
Detroit River, Detroit is the county seat of Wayne County and is the
11th most populous city in United States.
The state of Michigan is not just significant as
a tourist destination but is also quite important historically. On
looking back over thousands of years we find that the land of Michigan
was inhabited by different Native American tribes, most prominent
among which were Ottawa, Chippewa and Potawatomi. These tribes had
their separate areas to dwell and they co-existed peacefully on the
territory of Michigan.
After the Native Americans, the land witnessed
the European settlements. In 17th century French voyagers
explored the area. In 1622 Etienne Brule’s group visited the place
while Father Jacques Marquette made the foremost European settlement
in the region. He established a Jesuit mission at Sault Ste. Marie.
In 1701 French explorer Antonie de la Mothe
Cadillac founded Detroit on the straits between the Lakes St. Clair
and Erie. Antonie felt that foundation of Detroit would further
strengthen the French control over the Upper Great Lake area. The
French regime expanded further and by mid-eighteenth century they had
invaded the forts at present day Niles and Sault Ste. Marie.
In 1763 Michigan came under the control of Great
Britain. This happened after the French and Indian War that happened
from 1754 to 1763. Due to the war French lost their North American
Empire to the British.
Michigan served as a nominal part of Upper Canada
after it was captured by the British during the war of 1812. It was in
1815 that the Congress of Vienna established Michigan again as a part
of United States of America.
In 1912 Michigan was one of the few states that
supported the third party candidate Theodore Roosevelt for the post of
president. Lately Michigan has showed inclination towards the
Democratic Party. This is because of the strong industrial and union
heritage of the state.
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