-
European Contact with Michigan
Etienne Brulé passes through North Channel at the neck of Lake Huron; that same year
(or during two following years) he lands at Sault Ste. Marie, probably the first European
to look upon the Sault. The Michigan Native American population is approximately 15,000. -
First Permanent Settlement of Michigan
Father Jacques Marquette takes over the Sault mission and founds the first permanent
settlement on Michigan soil at Sault Ste. Marie. -
First Military Outpost
First of the military outposts, Fort de Buade (later known
as Fort Michilimackinac), is established at St. Ignace. -
Founding of Detroit
Detroit is founded as Fort Pontchartrain by Cadillac as a permanent settlement to protect
and secure the fur trade -
Beginning of the 7 Years War
France and England begin the Seven Years’ War (also known as the French and Indian
War). -
Michigan appears on United States map
Congress passes first act relative to the disposal of western lands.
Michigan appears for the first time on a map as a land division of the United States.
Sloop Otter becomes the first vessel to navigate Lake Superior. -
British Loose Control of Detroit
The British withdraw their garrison from Detroit. The Stars and Stripes are raised for the
first time on Michigan soil by Wayne’s advance guard. -
The Rise and Fall of Detroit
The Territory of Michigan is created, with Detroit as the capital.
Detroit is completely destroyed by fire.
General William Hull becomes the first territorial governor. -
Treaty Signed Between Detroit and Indigenous Peoples of Michigan
7 The Treaty of Detroit is signed by Chippewa, Ottawa, Wyandot, and Potawatomi tribes
meeting with General Hull.
Duties paid to the United States on furs at Mackinac exceed $40,000 -
Fort Mackinaw
The United States declares war against England. Father Richard urges the population to
support the American cause.
Fort Mackinac falls to the British, who know of the declaration of war earlier than the
frontier post.
Hull surrenders Detroit to General Isaac Brock without firing a shot. Hull later is court-martialed -
War of 1812 Ends
The Americans make an unsuccessful attempt to recapture Mackinac Island.
The Treaty of Ghent ends the War of 1812; the British leave Mackinac Island. -
Detroit Capital is Established
The first capitol, in Detroit,
is built. -
Congress Accepts Michigan
Congress accepts Michigan’s constitution. It agrees to admit the state
upon condition that Michigan accept Ohio’s boundary in return for
four-fifths of the Upper Peninsula -
Michigan Attains Statehood
Michigan is admitted to the Union as a free state as Arkansas is admitted as a slave state.