LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Today is the day that Michigan celebrates its 187th birthday for on January 26, 1837, it became the twenty-sixth state in the Union. It was not without drama though, according to michigan.gov, who reports that a skirmish with Ohio known as the “Toledo War” delayed Michigan’s statehood and led to a trade.
How did Michigan become a state?
In the trade, Toledo remained in Ohio and the Upper Peninsula became part of Michigan. That’s how Michigan became the only state in the nation that is comprised of two peninsulas.
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Michigan, which has a population of a little over 10 million according to 2020 U.S. Census Bureau state populations estimates, is the 10th most populous state in the nation.
Michigan boasts the longest freshwater coastline.
According to our state government, who likes to toot its own horn, Michigan is “blessed with what the state calls “the riches of unspoiled nature: the nation’s longest freshwater coastline, lakes that feel like oceans, golden beaches, an abundance of fresh produce straight from the farm, glorious sunrises and sunsets and endless opportunities for living, working and playing.”
Where did the name “Michigan” come from?
The name “Michigan” is derived from the Indian word Michigama, meaning great or large lake. According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the word came from the Chippewa language.
It was applied to the entire Great Lakes region by Native Americans and then by explorers who first traversed these great waters in the sixteenth century. Over time, the early residents added more names and sorted out the local geography, but the name Michigan remained as a reference to the entire region and one of our Great Lakes.
And Michigan has a LOT of lakes. 11,000 inland lakes to be exact and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams – plus the four lakes that surround the state – Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Superior.
Michigan stats – and how you can celebrate the day.
Other state facts and symbols about Michigan can be found here.
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If you’re looking for a way to celebrate, you have plenty of Michigan food products you can choose from.
Michigan cherry products from Cherry Republic (their cherry salsa is the best!)
Michigan potato chips from Great Lakes Potato Chips.
Michigan fudge from Murdick’s Fudge.
And Michigan wine all over the place.
Cheers, Michigan!
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