Michigan

There are more detailed history timelines for the state of Michigan in the Links section below.

1622 – French explorer Etienne Brule sight Lake Superior

1668 – The Jesuit priest Jacques Marquette (1637-1675) and the Jesuit missionary Claude Dablon ( 1619 – 1697) establish the first mission at Sault Sainte Marie, the first European settlement.

1701 – French army officer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac (1658-1730) establishes the first of several French settlements, including Detroit.

1756 – 1763: The Seven Years War (French and Indian War) due to disputes over land is won by Great Britain. France gives England all French territory east of the Mississippi River, except New Orleans. The Spanish give up east and west Florida to the English in return for Cuba.

1763 – The local Native American tribes unite and fight the British in Pontiac’s Rebellion.

1775 – 1783 – The American Revolution creates the United States of America. 

1787 – Michigan becomes part of the Northwest Territory of the United States.

1796 – The British finally leave Detroit.

1805 – The Michigan Territory is created.

1812 – The British retake Detroit at the start of the War of 1812.

1813 – The Americans take back Michigan and Detroit after winning the Battle of Lake Erie.

1819 – The Treaty of Saginaw cedes nearly 6 million acres of Indian lands to Michigan settlers. This forced the Native Indians farther and farther West

1825 – The Erie Canal is opened providing easier travel to Michigan.

1835 – The Toledo War ensues over the Michigan – Ohio boundary

1837 – 26 January 1837 Michigan becomes the 26th state.

1847 – Lansing becomes the capital city.

1903 – Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company. 1908 – General Motors is founded.

1935 – The United Auto Workers union is formed.

1959 – Motown Records is founded by Berry Gordy.

2013 – The city of Detroit declares bankruptcy.