Michigan

Guide Note

Nicknamed "The Great Lakes State," Michigan borders Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Michigan is the only state to consist of two peninsulas, the lower peninsula is dubbed "the mitten," while the top peninsula is called the upper peninsula or the "U.P." for short. The two peninsulas are connected by a five-mile bridge called the Mackinaw Bridge, the third longest suspension bridge in the world.

Fast Facts

1. Capital: Lansing
2. Governor: Jennifer Granholm
3. Population: 10,095,643 2006
4. Became state: January 26, 1837
5. Time zones: EST, CST
6. Major cities: Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids
7. Official state items: Apple Blossom (flower), Robin (bird), Mastodon (fossil)
8. Nicknames: Wolverine State, Great Lakes State

The Native Americans made Michigan their home before it was colonized by the Europeans. In the early 17th century French voyageurs settled in Michigan and the first European settlement was Sault Sainte-Marie in 1668. Saint Ignace and Marquette where the next cities to be founded, making them the oldest cities in Michigan.

The birth of the automotive industry in Detroit gave Michigan's economy a huge boost in the 20th century. Today Michigan's biggest income-producing industries are manufacturing, tourism and agriculture.

Michiganders

1. Ellen Burstyn
2. Julie Harris
3. Tom Selleck
4. Lily Tomlin
5. Steven Seagal

1. Della Reese
2. Diana Ross
3. Bob Seger
4. Margaret Whiting
5. Stevie Wonder
6. Ted Nugent
7. Madonna
8. Kid Rock