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Etienne Brule Claims Land for France
Etienne Brule was a French explorer that went beyond the St. Lawrence River into what we now known as Canada. He was the first French explorer to discover this land while also making other first discoveries of the Great Lakes.
https://www.thepirateking.com/bios/brule_etienne.htm -
First European Settlement
"In 1668, the legendary Jesuit missionary and explorer Fr. Jacques Marquette renamed this burgeoning European settlement Sault Ste. Marie, in honor of the Virgin Mary—the first “city” in the Great Lakes region" (Sault Ste Marie History, 2022).
https://saultstemarie.com/soo-area-and-great-waters-region/our-local-history/ -
City of Detroit is Founded
Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founded what has become the city of Detroit in 1701.
1. Cadillac set out from Lachine on the St. Lawrence River near Montreal.
2. The expedition followed the northern route along many different rivers.
3. Expedition camped on Grosse Ile.
4. Expedition returns upstream for settlement.
5. Cadillac claimed the new territory for France.
https://detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-of-detroit/cadillac-antoine-de-la-mothe -
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The French and Indian War
Also known as the "Seven Years War," the French and Indian War began as a way for American Indians to keep control of their land. -
British Gain Control of Michigan
The French and Indian War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in February 1763.
More information can be found here: https://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/french-and-indian-war -
Michigan Becomes Part of the Northwest Territory
"Confederation Congress approves 'An Ordinance for the Government of the Territory of the United Sates, North-West of the River Ohio'" (The Northwest Ordinance, n.d.). Thomas Jefferson wrote the Northwest Ordinance, which provided the path for statehood that included Michigan. [https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1700s/Northwest-Ordinance-1787/(https://www.timetoast.com) -
British Retake Detroit - War of 1812
After surrendering Detroit in 1796, the British regain Detroit after the U.S. surrenders Fort Detroit and its army during the War of 1812. Once seeing large forces of English and Indian tribes gathering the Detroit walls, American General William Hull surrenders the land to which the British regain its territory.
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/detroit-surrenders-without-a-fight -
Americans Take Back Michigan & Detroit - Battle of Lake Erie
During the War of 1812, the Battle of Lake Erie occurs as the U.S. takes control over Lake Erie. After fleeting 9 ships that engaged with 6 British warships and suffering casualties, Oliver Perry (Master Commandant) transfers to a sister ship, sailing directly into British and firing. This forced the British to surrender and abandon Detroit, giving the territory back to the United States.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Lake-Erie -
Michigan Becomes the 26th State
Michigan is officially admitted as the 26th state within the Union (The United States).