Michigan

Capital: Lansing State abbreviation/Postal code: Mich./MI Governor: Jennifer Granholm, D (to Jan. 2011) Lieut. Governor: John D. Cherry, D (to Jan. 2011) Senators: Carl Levin, D (to Jan. 2009); Debbie A. Stabenow, D (to Jan. 2007) U.S. Representatives: 15 Historical biographies of Congressional members Secy. of State: Terri Lynn Land, R (to Jan. 2011) Atty. General: Mike Cox, R (to Jan. 2011) Treasurer: Robert J. Kleine (apptd. by governor) Organized as territory: Jan. 11, 1805 Entered Union (rank): Jan. 26, 1837 (26) Present constitution adopted: April 1, 1963 (effective Jan. 1, 1964) Motto: Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you) State symbols: flower apple blossom (1897) bird robin (1931) mammal white-tailed deer (1997) fishes trout (1965), brook trout (1988) gem isle royal greenstone (chlorastrolite) (1972) stone petoskey stone (1965) tree white pine (1955) soil kalkaska soil series (1990) reptile painted turtle (1995) flag “Blue charged with the arms of the state” (1911) wildflower Dwarf Lake iris (1998) Nickname: Wolverine State Origin of name: From Indian word “Michigana” meaning “great or large lake” 10 largest cities (2005 est.): Detroit, 886,671; Grand Rapids, 193,780; Warren, 135,311; Sterling Heights, 128,034; Flint, 118,551; Lansing, 115,518; Ann Arbor, 113,271; Livonia, 97,977; Dearborn, 94,090; Westland, 85,623 Land area: 56,804 sq mi. (147,122 sq km) Geographic center: In Wexford Co., 5 mi. NNW of Cadillac Number of counties: 83 Largest county by population and area: Wayne, 1,998,217 (2005); Marquette, 1,821 sq mi. State parks and recreation areas: 97 Residents: Michigander, Michiganian, Michiganite 2005 resident population est.: 10,120,860 2000 resident census population (rank): 9,938,444 (8). Male: 4,873,095 (49.0%); Female: 5,065,349 (51.0%). White: 7,966,053 (80.2%); Black: 1,412,742 (14.2%); American Indian: 58,479 (0.6%); Asian: 176,510 (1.8%); Other race: 129,552 (1.3%); Two or more races: 192,416 (1.9%); Hispanic/Latino: 323,877 (3.3%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 73.9; 65 and over: 12.3; median age: 35.5. See additional census data Area codes Tourism office

Map of Michigan

Indian tribes were living in the Michigan region when the first European, Étienne Brulé of France, arrived in 1618. Other French explorers, including Jacques Marquette, Louis Joliet, and Sieur de la Salle, followed, and the first permanent settlement was established in 1668 at Sault Ste. Marie. France was ousted from the territory by Great Britain in 1763, following the French and Indian Wars.

After the Revolutionary War, the U.S. acquired most of the region, which remained the scene of constant conflict between the British and U.S. forces and their respective Indian allies through the War of 1812.

Bordering on four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan is divided into Upper and Lower peninsulas by the Straits of Mackinac, which link lakes Michigan and Huron. The two parts of the state are connected by the Mackinac Bridge, one of the world's longest suspension bridges. To the north, connecting lakes Superior and Huron, are the busy Sault Ste. Marie Canals.

While Michigan ranks first among the states in production of motor vehicles and parts, it is also a leader in many other manufacturing and processing lines, including prepared cereals, machine tools, airplane parts, refrigerators, hardware, and furniture.

The state produces important amounts of iron, copper, iodine, gypsum, bromine, salt, lime, gravel, and cement. Michigan's farms grow apples, cherries, beans, pears, grapes, potatoes, and sugar beets. Michigan's forests contribute significantly to the state's economy, supporting thousands of jobs in the wood-product, tourism, and recreation industries. With 10,083 inland lakes and 3,288 mi of Great Lakes shoreline, Michigan is a prime area for both commercial and sport fishing.

Points of interest are the automobile plants in Dearborn, Detroit, Flint, Lansing, and Pontiac; Mackinac Island; Pictured Rocks and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshores; Greenfield Village in Dearborn; and the many summer resorts along both the inland lakes and Great Lakes.

See more on Michigan:
Encyclopedia: Michigan
Encyclopedia: Geography
Encyclopedia: Economy
Encyclopedia: Government
Encyclopedia: History
Monthly Temperature Extremes

All U.S. States: Geography & Climate
Printable Outline Maps
Record Highest Temperatures
Record Lowest Temperatures
Highest, Lowest, and Mean Elevations
Land and Water Area

Selected famous natives and residents:

• Nelson Algren novelist;

• Tim Allen actor and comedian;

• Anita Baker singer;

• William Boeing, Sr. airplane manufacturer;

• Ralph J. Bunche statesman;

• Ellen Burstyn actress;

• Bruce Catton historian;

• Roger Chaffee astronaut;

• Francis Ford Coppola film director;

• Thomas E. Dewey politician;

• Edna Ferber novelist;

• Gerald Ford former president;

• Henry Ford industrialist;

• Ali Haji-Sheikh football player;

• Julie Harris actress;

• Earvin “Magic” Johnson basketball player;

• Casey Kasem radio personality;

• John Harvey Kellogg surgeon and health reformer;

• Ring Lardner writer;

• Charles A. Lindbergh aviator;

• Madonna singer;

• Dick Martin comedian;

• Terry McMillan author;

• John N. Mitchell attorney general;

• Ted Nugent singer;

• Chief Pontiac Ottawa chief;

• Iggy Pop musician;

• Gilda Radner comedienne;

• Della Reese singer;

• Jason Robards, Sr. actor;

• Diana Ross singer;

• Steven Seagal actor;

• Bob Seger singer;

• Tom Selleck actor;

• Thomas Schippers conductor;

• Potter Stewart jurist;

• Lily Tomlin actress;

• Danny Thomas entertainer;

• William E. Upjohn pharmaceuticals manufacturer;

• Margaret Whiting singer;

• Robin Williams comedian and actor;

• Stevie Wonder singer.

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