The state of Michigan was named after Lake Michigan, which was an adaptation of the Ojibwe term mishigami, meaning “large water.” Indeed, Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the USA and consists of two peninsulas connected by the five mile long Mackinac Bridge.

Previous to statehood, what is now Michigan was a part of the larger Michigan Territory, and before that Indiana Territory. Michigan was the 26th state to become a member of the United States of America, in 1837. They entered into the union after a long dispute with Ohio over state boundary lines, a conflict referred to as the Toledo War. Finally, concessions were made and Ohio received the Toledo strip while Michigan was given the upper Peninsula. At first the UP was considered a useless wilderness, however it was soon discovered to be rich in resources. Lumber, iron and copper mining became a prosperous industry.

During the 20th Century, Michigan became the center of the automotive industry. Henry Ford's first automotive plant was located in Detroit.

A couple of titles that may help in researching general Michigan history are:

Historic Michigan : Land of the Great Lakes / George N. Fuller. National Historical Association. Vol. 1-3 found in Box 1.2 of this collection.

A Primer of Michigan History : With a Brief Sketch of the Material Resources of the State / Wm. J. Cox. Lansing, MI : Michigan Education Co., 1924. M977.4 C839p 1915

And in researching Detroit history:

Detroit in It's World Setting : A Three Hundred Year Chronology, 1701 – 2001 / edited by David Lee Poremba.

Detroit : Wayne State university Press, ca. 2001. 977.434 D484