Jen's Perspective

NATIONAL MICHIGAN DAY

On January 18, National Michigan Day recognizes the Great Lake State.

Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan has more shoreline than any of the contiguous 48 states. Of the 50 states, only Alaska has more.

First explored by the French, the area became a U.S territory in 1783.  Flush with iron and copper, Michigan would become a center of industrial activity.

Lake Michigan separates the upper and lower peninsulas of the 26th state granted statehood, making Michigan unlike any other in design.  To move from one peninsula to the other, ferries used to carry travelers back and forth.  But in 1957, the Mackinac Bridge connected the two sides making the journey more convenient and safer.  At 26,372 feet long, it is the third longest suspension bridge in the world.

Industry and Music

Industry dominated the early 20th century in Michigan. From logging, shipping, rail and automotive, the population grew with an influx of workers during war and peacetime. Influenced by skilled trades, engineering, and manufacturing, employment exploded.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, assembly workers were in high demand all across the country. The Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan built B-24 Bombers. As the epicenter of the automobile industry, Michigan was ripe for the increased production.

One of the Willow Run factory workers became a Rosie the Riveter spokesperson wearing the iconic bandana and flexing her muscle to sell war bonds. Rose Will Monroe’s efforts, as well as thousands of other women in Michigan and across the country, changed the course a war and the image of women for generations.

Known for its Motown sound and legendary music makers, Michigan and Detroit launched some of the most memorable names in jazz and gospel music.  From Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross to the Jackson 5 and Stevie Wonder, the birth of Motown was the launching of an era.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMichiganDay

Join National Day Calendar as we recognize Michigan’s industrious spirit and natural beauty. Uncover hidden treasures and explore all Michigan’s history, lakes, and peninsulas!

Use #NationalMichiganDay to share on social media.

• NATURE – ART – HISTORY
• Hidden Treasures

For a complete list of Michigan State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.michigandnr.com and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.

Isle Royale – Houghton

Motor Cities – Detroit

Pictured Rocks – Grand Marais

Agate Falls Scenic Site – Trout Creek

Bond Falls Scenic Site – Paulding

Colonial Michilimackinac Historic State Park – Mackinaw City

Hoffmaster State Park – Muskegon

Ionia State Recreation Area – Ionia

Ludington State Park – Ludington

Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Paradise

MUSEUMS

Grand Rapids Public Museum – Grand Rapids

Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum – Paradise

Hitsville U.S.A. – Detroit

Yankee Air Museum – Belleville

Automotive Hall of Fame – Dearborn

Michigan Science Center – Detroit

R.E. Olds Transportation Museum

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts – Kalamazoo

Air Zoo – Kalamazoo

The Henry Ford – Dearborn

Michigan Iron Industry Museum – Negaunee

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History – Detroit

Notable Auto Industry

While the horseless carriage was invented in Germany and France, Michigan laid claim to production, design, and innovation earning Detroit the Motor City nickname Motown.

Attracted to the machine industry and availability of shipping to large metropolitan areas of Chicago and New York by rail and water, Michigan made an ideal place to set up shop. Businessmen like Henry Ford and Ransom Olds didn’t have far to go; they were born in the great state of Michigan. Others made their way to the Great Lake State from as near as New York and as far as Europe. Those with names we recognize today. Businessman, machinists, inventors, and designers. Horace and Elgin Dodge, Henry M. Leland, Louis Chevrolet, William C. Durant, David Dunbar Buick.

Notable Motown

Pontiac – Ottawa Chief – (1720 – April 20, 1769)

Edna Ferber – Author – ( August 15, 1885 – April 16, 1968)

Charles Lindbergh – Aviator – (February 4, 1902 – August 26, 1974)

Alfred Hershey – Geneticist – (December 4, 1908 – May 22, 1997)

Norman Shumway – Surgeon – (February 9, 1923 – February 10, 2006)

Della Reese – Singer/Actress – (July 6, 1931 – November 19, 2017)

Francis Ford Coppola – Director – (April 7, 1939 -)

Robert G Heft – Educator – (January 19, 1941 – December 12, 2009)

John Hughes – Director – (February 18, 1950 – August 6, 2009)

Alexa Canady – Physician – (November 7, 1950 -)

Earvin Johnson – Basketball Player – (August 14, 1959 – )