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.
History
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
Actors
- Jeff Daniels
- Ellen Burstyn
- Julie Harris
- Tom Selleck
- Lily Tomlin
- Steven Seagal
Musicians
- Della Reese
- Diana Ross
- Bob Seger
- Margaret Whiting
- Stevie Wonder
- Ted Nugent
- Madonna
- Kid Rock
Featured Video: Pure Michigan
Fall is upon us, and the colors in Michigan are brilliant this time of year.
