Here Are The 5 Oldest Towns In Michigan… And They’re Loaded With History
Ever wonder how Michigan got its start? We know we’ve often pondered this. Situated in the northern Midwest, the weather is totally unpredictable, reason enough to have us scratching our heads as to why anyone would settle in this region to begin with.
The reasons date back to the 17th century when French explorers, fur traders, and missionaries were intermingling with the many native peoples who lived on the land. The result was that some of the oldest cities in the state were formed.
An interesting thing we’ve found in our research is that many of the oldest cities in the Mitten are in the Upper Peninsula.
This UP city, founded in 1668, has always served as a major artery, connecting the United States with Canada, serving as a fishing destination, and an important trading post.
We know this island town as a popular tourist destination. But before that, it was settled by French fur traders in 1671. And before that, it was inhabited by a Native American tribe known as Mi-shi-ne-macki naw-go.
Marquette was founded in 1675 and was once surrounded by French missionaries and trappers. Later, iron deposits were discovered in nearby Teal Lake, setting the tone for the region to become a major mining hub.
Michigan's largest city, Detroit was founded in 1701 by French officer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. The city served as a major fur trading post in its early days.
Funny how we’re all so connected, isn’t it? Tell us, where are some of the oldest communities in your neck of the woods?
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Serena Maria Daniels is an award-winning freelance journalist in Detroit, by way of Chicago, by way of the West Coast. She writes about Michigan for OIYS. Serena enjoys learning about language and culture and taking road trips with her beagle Ralph.
