1618 French explorer Etienne Brule arrives claiming the land for France.
1668 The first European settlement is established at Sault Ste. Marie.
1679 Fort Miami is established.
1701 Fort Pontchartrain is established on the site of the present site of Detroit.
1763 The British gain control of Michigan after winning the French and Indian War.
1763 The local Native American tribes unite and fight the British in Pontiac's Rebellion.
1787 Michigan becomes part of the Northwest Territory of the United States.
1796 The British finally leave Detroit.
1805 The territory of Michigan is established with Detroit as the capital.
1812 The British retake Detroit at the start of the War of 1812.
1813 The Americans take back Michigan and Detroit after winning the Battle of Lake Erie.
1825 The Erie Canal is opened providing easier travel to Michigan.
1837 Michigan becomes the 26th state.
1847 Lansing becomes the capital city.
1903 Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company.
1908 Henry Ford produced the first Model T.
1908 General Motors is founded.
1935 The United Auto Workers union is formed.
1959 Motown Records is founded by Berry Gordy.
1967 A two day race riot kills 34.
2009 Federal Government Saves Auto Industry
2013 The city of Detroit declares bankruptcy.