Michigan Territory

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Territory of Michigan (1805–1837)

The Territory of Michigan was an organized part of the United States from June 30, 1805, to January 26, 1837. Its capital was Detroit. It began as part of the Indiana Territory and was created to govern the lands north of Lake Michigan and east of Lake Erie.

Size and changes
- At its biggest in 1833, the territory stretched over a large part of the Great Lakes region.
- In 1836, the western lands were separated to form the Wisconsin Territory in preparation for Michigan’s statehood.
- When Michigan became a state in 1837, its borders included the Upper Peninsula.

Government
- The territory was first governed by William Hull, followed by Lewis Cass and other leaders.
- In 1824, Michigan shifted from a governor-and-judges system to a Legislative Council elected by residents, giving the people more say in laws.

War and growth
- Detroit was captured by the British during the War of 1812 but was returned to the United States afterward.
- Over time, parts of Michigan’s land helped form Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and other areas as new states were created.
- The Erie Canal opened in 1825, helping settlers reach Michigan more easily.

Toledo War and statehood
- Michigan fought Ohio over the Toledo Strip. In 1836, Michigan gave up Toledo in exchange for the western part of the Upper Peninsula, which helped secure statehood.
- That same year, the western lands were separated to form the Wisconsin Territory.

Population and people
- Native American tribes lived in the region alongside growing numbers of settlers from the eastern states.
- Slavery was prohibited by the Northwest Ordinance, though a few enslaved people lived there in the territory’s early years.

Capital after statehood
- Detroit remained the capital until 1847, when Lansing became Michigan’s capital.