Searching collections:
Learn
The building of the Mackinac Bridge was a huge undertaking for Michigan, and dramatically altered transportation between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. It is the longest suspension bridge in the world, and a Michigan landmark! This edition features a section about the annual bridge walk, as well as how the bridge was built.
The Model T was one of the most popular cars in history. Henry Ford’s use of the assembly line made the car affordable for many people, “putting America on wheels”. This edition explains the use of the assembly line to make Model Ts, and reflects on jokes made at the time about “Tin Lizzy”.
The Northwest Ordinance provided an orderly system for states to join the Union. Established in 1787, this legislation laid out the steps to statehood for the Northwest Territory, resulting in the eventual creation of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois. Michigan, and Wisconsin. This edition features an article about slavery in the Northwest Territory, as well as color coded maps of the progression toward statehood.
Pioneer life in Michigan was very challenging. From transportation, to housing construction, to pests like mosquitos causing illness, the pioneers had much to contend with. This edition addresses how pioneers met these challenges, and some of their less known inventions. It also has an article about how early people reached Michigan via the Erie Canal.
Michigan depots on the Underground Railroad played an important role for slaves escaping to Canada. This edition gives a brief explanation of the Underground Railroad, and highlights historic sites to visit in Michigan. It also contains a feature on the Crosswhite family, and how Michiganians helped them escape to Canada.
The Toledo War was more like a slight disagreement between Michigan and Ohio over who would take control of the Toledo Strip in order to develop the area and build a port. The disagreement even reached the federal level, with Congressmen taking sides. This edition explains the progress of the “war” in detail.
The Ojibway, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi formed the Three Fires Confederacy to promote their common interests. Each tribe had a territory and a slightly different way of life. This edition discusses Native American life, as well as the legend of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
The Soo Locks were a huge challenge to build, but they dramatically altered shipping, and were important to the nation’s industrial growth. Partly due to the discovery of copper and iron in the Upper Peninsula, the federal government agreed to help fund the building of the locks. This edition outlines the difficult process of building the locks, as well as how they work.
The War of 1812 ended with no exchange of territory and no clear victory, but Michigan suffered heavy losses. Houses and farms were left in ruin, and there was very little food left in the aftermath of the attacks on Detroit and Fort Michilimackinac. This edition features a section on Lewis Cass, and one about the Battle of the River Raisin.
The white pine is Michigan’s state tree for good reason! Lumbering was a vital part of the Michigan economy for decades, and white pine was the biggest reason for that. This edition talks about the logging process from the perspective of both an individual company and the state as a whole.
