Michigan, constituent state of the United States of America. Although by the size of its land Michigan ranks only 22nd of the 50 states, the inclusion of the Great Lakes waters over which it has jurisdiction increases its area considerably, placing it 11th in terms of total area. The capital is Lansing, in south-central Michigan. The state’s name is derived from Michi-game, an Ojibwa (Chippewa) word meaning “large lake.”
Michigan’s economy, originally based on small-scale agriculture, became dependent on lumbering and mining by the late 19th century. Lumbering of vast white pine forests proceeded at a feverish pace between the 1830s and 1905 until the forests’ wealth was virtually exhausted. By the 1980s, iron and copper mines had opened in the western Upper Peninsula, fueling new settlement there. Advances in transportation aided economic development during this period; in 1855 the first of the Soo Locks on the St. Marys River was completed, enabling passage of deep-water vessels between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes.
You can get ahead of the curve with education and career updates. Our newsletter explores the latest articles, top-ranked online master’s degree programs, scholarships, and career salaries and outlooks.
Note: By entering your email address and clicking “Sign Me Up,” you agree to be contacted by OnlineMastersColleges.com for educational products or services. You can unsubscribe anytime.