Michigan is often referred to as both "The Wolverine State" and the “Great Lakes State". The origin of "The Wolverine State" nickname is unknown but may have come from Michigan's fur trading industry. However, there has never been a verified trapping of a wolverine within the state's borders.[1] The nickname the "Great Lakes State" is due to its unique geographic location bordering four of the five Great Lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. Lake Ontario is the only Great Lake that Michigan does not touch. This proximity to the Great Lakes has significantly shaped Michigan’s history, culture, and economy.[2]
Michigan formally entered the Union as a state on January 26, 1837.[3] Michigan has a total area of 97,990 square miles (253,800 km²), making it the largest state east of the Mississippi River and the eleventh largest state overall.[4] As of 2023, the population of Michigan is approximately 10.04 million.[5]
Michigan’s economy ranks 14th in size among states and Washington, DC.[6] The state’s real GDP for the 3rd quarter of 2023 was $674.8 billion4. The unemployment rate in Michigan was 4.3% in November 2023.[6] Michigan’s most important products include dairy products and milk, which contribute $2.9 billion in cash receipts5. The state is also known for its automotive industry, with Ford Motor Company being one of the most iconic Michigan brands6. Michigan is the second-largest producer of iron ore in the nation.[7] Some of the top attractions in Michigan include Mackinac Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan, Detroit Institute of Arts, Pictured Rocks National Seashore, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, The Henry Ford in Dearborn, and Isle Royale National Park.
Research your ancestors on MyHeritage
History of MichiganHistory of Michigan
The first European to explore Michigan was the Frenchman Étienne Brûlé around 1620.[8] The French laid claim to the territory, and it became a center for the fur trade. In 1701, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founded Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, which would grow into the city of Detroit.[9]
After a boundary dispute with Ohio known as the Toledo War, Michigan was admitted to the Union on January 26, 1837, as the 26th state. The conflict was resolved by granting the “Toledo Strip” to Ohio, while Michigan received the western part of the Upper Peninsula, which later proved to be a valuable area due to its mineral resources.[10]
Michigan played a significant role in the Civil War, contributing a large number of troops and several generals, including George Armstrong Custer. The state provided over 90,000 men to the Union forces, which was about 23 percent of the state’s male population at the time.[11]
The 19th century saw Michigan’s economy bolstered by the lumber and mining industries. The discovery of iron and copper in the Upper Peninsula led to a mining boom. The state also became a major producer of iron ore and copper, and the development of the railroad system allowed for the transportation of these resources to other parts of the country.[12] The early 20th century was marked by the rise of the automotive industry, with Detroit becoming the heart of this boom. Companies like Ford Motor Company revolutionized production and wages, contributing to a period of prosperity. However, the latter half of the century saw economic fluctuations, with severe recessions impacting the state’s economy and causing widespread unemployment and business failures.[13]
Demographics of MichiganDemographics of Michigan
The demographic distribution of Michigan population is as follows:[14]
- White: 67.85%
- Black or African American: 14.07%
- Other race: 6.21%
- Two or more races: 5.84%
- Asian: 5.66%
- Native American: 0.33%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.04%
Most common surnames in MichiganMost common surnames in Michigan
Researching your family history in MichiganResearching your family history in Michigan
The National Archives at Chicago has collections for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The Newberry Library has an extensive collection of genealogy and local history. The Library of Michigan has a comprehensive genealogy collection with periodicals, county histories, and family histories for Michigan. The Archives of Michigan, Michigan History Center is responsible for preserving the records of Michigan government and other public institutions. The collections also include documents, maps, photographs and film from private individuals and organizations. The Historical Society of Michigan is Michigan's oldest cultural organization. There are many other local and county organizations that have valuable genealogical information and records.
Michigan county listMichigan county list
Michigan has 83 counties:
| Alcona | Alger | Allegan | Alpena |
| Antrim | Arenac | Baraga | Barry |
| Bay | Benzie | Berrien | Branch |
| Calhoun | Cass | Charlevoix | Cheboygan |
| Chippewa | Clare | Clinton | Crawford |
| Delta | Dickinson | Eaton | Emmet |
| Genesee | Gladwin | Gogebic | Grand Traverse |
| Gratiot | Hillsdale | Houghton | Huron |
| Ingham | Ionia | Iosco | Iron |
| Isabella | Jackson | Kalamazoo | Kalkaska |
| Kent | Keweenaw | Lake | Lapeer |
| Leelanau | Lenawee | Livingston | Luce |
| Mackinac | Macomb | Manistee | Marquette |
| Mason | Mecosta | Menominee | Midland |
| Missaukee | Monroe | Montcalm | Montmorency |
| Muskegon | Newaygo | Oakland | Oceana |
| Ogemaw | Ontonagon | Osceola | Oscoda |
| Otsego | Ottawa | Presque Isle | Roscommon |
| Saginaw | Sanilac | Schoolcraft | Shiawassee |
| St. Clair | St. Joseph | Tuscola | Van Buren |
| Washtenaw | Wayne | Wexford |
See alsoSee also
Explore more about MichiganExplore more about Michigan
MyHeritage.com has 69 collections of genealogically valuable records that include Michigan Voter Registration, Michigan Marriages, Michigan Newspapers 1817-2009, Michigan Deaths, and many other important records in the Michigan Collections Catalog.
References
- ↑ Few People Know The Real Reason Why Michigan Is Called The Wolverine State
- ↑ Michigan State Nickname | The Wolverine State
- ↑ Steps To Statehood
- ↑ Michigan - New World Encyclopedia
- ↑ U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Michigan
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Economy of Michigan Statistics and Data Trends: GDP ranking, unemployment rate, and economic growth | USAFacts
- ↑ Economy of Michigan including Michigan Agriculture and Manufacturing | NETSTATE.COM
- ↑ Michigan Early History: Michigan First Inhabitants
- ↑ Michigan - Native American, French, British | Britannica
- ↑ When Did Michigan Join the Union?
- ↑ Michigan in the Civil War | Detroit Historical Society
- ↑ Michigan - Statehood, Growth, Economy | Britannica
- ↑ The Rise and Fall of Detroit - ReviseSociology
- ↑ Illinois Population 2024 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs)
- ↑ Most Common Surnames in Michigan, With Meanings