Michigan became a state on January 26, 1837, but its residents goes back much further. There is evidence that Michigan was inhabited by Paleo-Indians as early as 11,000 BC. The first Europeans arrived in Michigan in the early 17th century searching for a route to China. Michigan has been claimed by the French, the British and finally the United States in 1796 under terms negotiated in the Jay Treaty. This didn’t mean that Michigan as we know it today was the boundaries then. Boundary disputes continued for many years and were finally settled when Michigan became a state.
Northern Michigan is an important part of the history of our state. Join us as we explore Northern Michigan and discover its rich history.
