Happy National Michigan Day! Today we observe the 26th state to join the union back on January 26, 1837.
This state is located in the Great Lakes and Midwestern regions of the United States. Its name originates from the Ojibwe word "mishigamaa", meaning "large water" or "large lake".
Nicknamed the Water Winter Wonderland and the Wolverine State, Michigan is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes. Michigan has more shoreline than any of the contiguous forty-eight states. Of the fifty states, only Alaska has more.
First explored by the French, the area became a U.S territory in 1783. Flush with iron and copper, Michigan would become a center of industrial activity.
Lake Michigan separates the upper and lower peninsulas of the 26th state granted statehood, making Michigan unlike any other in design.
To move from one peninsula to the other, ferries used to carry travelers back and forth. But in 1957, the Mackinac Bridge connected the two sides making the journey more convenient and safer.
At 26,372 feet long, it is the third longest suspension bridge in the world.
“...any colour that he wants so long as it is black.” ~Henry Ford, My Life and Work (1922)
“...any colour that he wants so long as it is black.” ~Henry Ford, My Life and Work (1922)
Industry and Music
Industry dominated the early 20th century in Michigan. From logging, shipping, rail and automotive, the population grew with an influx of workers during war and peacetime. Influenced by skilled trades, engineering, and manufacturing, employment exploded.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, assembly workers were in high demand all across the country.
The Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan built B-24 Bombers. As the epicenter of the automobile industry, Michigan was ripe for the increased production.
One of the Willow Run factory workers became a Rosie the Riveterspokesperson wearing the iconic bandana and flexing her muscle to sell war bonds.
Rose Will Monroe’s efforts, as well as thousands of other women in Michigan and across the country, changed the course a war and the image of women for generations.
Known for its Motown sound and legendary music makers, Michigan and Detroit launched some of the most memorable names in jazz and gospel music.
From Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross to the Jackson 5 and Stevie Wonder, the birth of Motown was the launching of an era.
For a complete list of Michigan State and National Parks and historic sites, please visit the websites below.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park– Paradise
Be sure to check out a few of the featured sites around the state below as well.
𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐔𝐌𝐒
𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐔𝐌𝐒
Notable Auto Industry
While the horseless carriage was invented in Germany and France, Michigan laid claim to production, design, and innovation earning Detroit the Motor City nickname Motown.
Attracted to the machine industry and availability of shipping to large metropolitan areas of Chicago and New York by rail and water, Michigan made an ideal place to set up shop.
Businessmen like American industrialist and a business magnate Henry Ford and American pioneer of the automotive industry Ransom E. Olds didn’t have far to go; they were born in the great state of Michigan.
Others made their way to the Great Lake State from as near as New York and as far as Europe. Those were the names we recognize today.
Businessman, machinists, inventors, and designers. Horace and Elgin Dodge, Henry M. Leland, Louis Chevrolet, William C. Durant, David Dunbar Buick.
Notable Motown
In 1959, Berry Gordy, Jr. established the Motown record label. In the label’s first year, they would sign soon-to-be greats like Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and Mary Wells.
Hits by Stevie Wonder, the Miracles, Martha and the Vandellas, the Supremes, the Jackson 5, and many others developed a sound that became known as Motown.
Motown helped launched the careers of Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson and many others.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Join National Day Calendar® as they recognize Michigan’s industrious spirit and natural beauty. Uncover hidden treasures and explore all Michigan’s history, lakes, and peninsulas! Use #NationalMichiganDay to share on social media.
Hidden Treasures
We also observe these famous figures born in Michigan of whom are still recognized today for their past accomplishments, heroics, talents, ingenuity and innovations: Chief Pontiac, Edna Ferber, Charles Lindbergh, Alfred Hershey, Norman Shumway, Della Reese, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert G Heft, John Hughes, Alexa Canady and Earvin Johnson.
Visit the link below to see those of notable birth who were not mentioned on the list above.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_from_Michigan
Here's to the Great Lake State!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_from_Michigan
Here's to the Great Lake State!
#NationalMichiganDay
@nichecinema
No comments:
Post a Comment