Ever wonder how Michigan got its start? We know we’ve often pondered this. Situated in the northern Midwest, the weather is totally unpredictable, reason enough to have us scratching our heads as to why anyone would settle in this region to begin with.
The reasons date back to the 17th century when French explorers, fur traders, and missionaries were intermingling with the many native peoples who lived on the land. The result was that some of the oldest cities in the state were formed.
An interesting thing we’ve found in our research is that many of the oldest cities in the Mitten are in the Upper Peninsula.
Have a look.
- Sault Ste Marie
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr This UP city, founded in 1668, has always served as a major artery, connecting the United States with Canada, serving as a fishing destination, and an important trading post.
- St. Ignace
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Considered the gateway to the UP, St. Ignace was founded in 1671 by explorer and priest Jacques Marquette.
- Mackinac Island
Joey Lax-Salinas/Flickr We know this island town as a popular tourist destination. But before that, it was settled by French fur traders in 1671. And before that, it was inhabited by a Native American tribe known as Mi-shi-ne-macki naw-go.
- Marquette
Michigan Municipal League/Flickr Marquette was founded in 1675 and was once surrounded by French missionaries and trappers. Later, iron deposits were discovered in nearby Teal Lake, setting the tone for the region to become a major mining hub.
- Detroit
Ian Freimuth/Flickr Michigan’s largest city, Detroit was founded in 1701 by French officer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. The city served as a major fur trading post in its early days.
Funny how we’re all so connected, isn’t it? Tell us, where are some of the oldest communities in your neck of the woods?
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
This UP city, founded in 1668, has always served as a major artery, connecting the United States with Canada, serving as a fishing destination, and an important trading post.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Considered the gateway to the UP, St. Ignace was founded in 1671 by explorer and priest Jacques Marquette.
Joey Lax-Salinas/Flickr
We know this island town as a popular tourist destination. But before that, it was settled by French fur traders in 1671. And before that, it was inhabited by a Native American tribe known as Mi-shi-ne-macki naw-go.
Michigan Municipal League/Flickr
Marquette was founded in 1675 and was once surrounded by French missionaries and trappers. Later, iron deposits were discovered in nearby Teal Lake, setting the tone for the region to become a major mining hub.
Ian Freimuth/Flickr
Michigan’s largest city, Detroit was founded in 1701 by French officer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. The city served as a major fur trading post in its early days.
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