Here in Michigan, we’re pretty proud of our rich legacy in the development of our nation. But there are some things that we were truly leaders in, things that have forever changed the way we function in society.
Here are just a few things that we were first at which made an impact on the country and, really, the world.
- The Windsor-Detroit Tunnel is the first international underground tunnel for vehicles.
John Kannenberg/Flickr This makes daily commutes that much easier.
- MSU is the first land-grant university in the country and the first institution to teach scientific agriculture.
VasenkaPhotography/Flickr And the programming continues to be at the forefront in ag education.
- Ford Motor Company, right here in Michigan, was the first to develop the moving assembly line for automobiles.
Freaktography/Flickr This forever changed the way manufacturing is done.
- The Detroit Zoo was the first zoo in the United States to feature cage-less, open exhibits that allowed more freedom for animals to roam.
Boston Public Library/Flickr Because we love animals.
- Detroit-based Packard Motor Car Company was the first to offer air-conditioned cars in 1939 (these A/Cs were manufactured by Cleveland-based Bishop and Babcock Co).
JOHN LLOYD/Flickr And we’re forever grateful on hot summer days.
- The Kellogg Company in Battle Creek was the first to develop dry cereal in the country.
Donna D/Flickr
- Michigan was the first English-speaking government on the planet to abolish the death penalty for ordinary crimes.
Kurt and Sybilla/Flickr No matter where you stand on the issue, that’s pretty revolutionary.
- Michigan was the first to guarantee tax-paid high school public education to every child.
Paradox 56/Flickr We’re sensing a trend here. Michigan, at one point, was very serious about education for all.
- The first U.S. soda pop, Vernors, was developed in Detroit 150 years ago.
Derek Bruff/Flickr Happy anniversary to our favorite ginger ale.
Some of these, yes, we are all definitely aware of. Others, especially the inroads that Michigan made in public education, are a pleasant surprise to learn. Tell us – what are some of those little-known things that the state was first at that you’re especially proud of?
John Kannenberg/Flickr
This makes daily commutes that much easier.
VasenkaPhotography/Flickr
And the programming continues to be at the forefront in ag education.
Freaktography/Flickr
This forever changed the way manufacturing is done.
Boston Public Library/Flickr
Because we love animals.
JOHN LLOYD/Flickr
And we’re forever grateful on hot summer days.
Donna D/Flickr
Kurt and Sybilla/Flickr
No matter where you stand on the issue, that’s pretty revolutionary.
Paradox 56/Flickr
We’re sensing a trend here. Michigan, at one point, was very serious about education for all.
Derek Bruff/Flickr
Happy anniversary to our favorite ginger ale.
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