Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/chris-cagness/206211
The French were exploring a great river called Messissippi by the local Indian tribes. In 1679 a Fort Miami was built at present day St. Joseph –the first non Indian community to settle in the Lower Peninsula. The French settled there permanently and started trading until 1753 when British Forces defeated them in a bloody war, the French and Indian war (1754 to 1763).
The British forces kept fighting the Indians and forcing their entry into the west banned. Later the British also taxed the American Colonists to pay for English Military expenses. A revolution was waiting to happen and it happened in 1776. British still were not willing to leave and were also willing to retain Canada, but were uprooted by the revolutionaries and every thing came to a standstill on 11 July, !796 when the British Flag was lowered and American Flag raised.
Up to mid 1800s many wars and battles were fought in the Americas and the native Indians couldn t cope with the large numbers of incoming settlers. Michigan earned its statehood on 26 January, 1837 when President Andrew Jackson signed the bill making Michigan the twenty sixth state of US.
By June 1855 ships were used in trading and many harbors were built. Copper mining started in early 1840 and Michigan alone could produce more iron ore then any other state by the end of 19th century. By 1877 logs could be moved in the River Muskegon and boom its production many times. By 1900 with coming up of many railroads, Michigan retained its number one position in lumber production.
In 1900 first auto mobile company was started by The Old Motors Association. It kept increasing its production with every passing year. With Ford and General Motors joining them by 1914 75 of the total US cars were manufactured in Michigan.
During the World War II in 1944, the federal govt. asked General Motors to make planes for their Air Force. Very soon it was the World s largest plane assembly unit. Finally on 1 November 1957 a bridge between the two peninsulas of Michigan was opened making it the longest hanging bridge (3800 ft) in the world at that time.
On January 26, 1987 Michigan celebrated its anniversary of statehood. In Lansing the official Michigan Statehood Stamp is issued. In spite of some economic setbacks in 1970 and 1980 Michigan is still 12th in population of the total states of US.
The first National Shoreline is at Pictured and Rock National Lakeshore which was authorized in 1966. Visitors can explore the vast 73000 +acres park. With all the luxuries provided, it becomes impossible to resist a visit. At Mackinac Historic Park you will find two centuries of Michigan s history and it is preserved in three settlements. Out of America s 52 national parks, 38 are collectively out drawn here.
Cambridge State Historic Park used to be the resting point for travelers of the 19th century. People who used to travel by stagecoaches traveling between Chicago and Detroit used to stop here for some rest. Old furniture is still there and worth seeing.
In Fort Wilkins State Historic Park the remains of American Military of mid 1800s are exhibited. It also shows major ship wrecks and lighthouses. It is open from mid April to mid November.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/chris-cagness/206211