Detroit, the largest city in the state of Michigan, was settled in 1701 by French colonists. It is the first European settlement above tidewater in North America. [1] Founded as a New France fur trading …

Detroit was incorporated as a city in 1815 and spent the decades leading up to the Civil War as the final U.S. stop on the Underground Railroad. The area also was earning a reputation for, among other …

Dec 31, 2025 · Soon after the outbreak of the War of 1812, Detroit was again surrendered to the British, but the Americans recaptured it in September 1813. In 1815 Detroit was incorporated as a city. In …

Nov 13, 2025 · Explore Detroit history explained, from its French colonial roots to the rise of the Motor City, Motown, and the city’s modern cultural and industrial revival.

Discover the rich history, culture, and maritime heritage of Detroit. Engaging exhibitions bring to life the people, places, and events that shaped and continue to shape Detroit.

Explore the rich history of Detroit through a detailed timeline that highlights the key events and milestones that have shaped the Motor City. From its founding in 1701 to its rise as a major industrial …

Samuel de Champlain is believed by some to have been in the Detroit area. If true, he is the first known non-Native American to see the site of Detroit. French missionaries establish the Huron Mission at …

Detroit’s history reflects both the triumphs and struggles of industrial America, and its story continues to unfold as the city seeks to reinvent itself in the 21st century. Despite its challenges, Detroit remains a …

Fort Detroit was originally built by the French in 1701. It was built along the Detroit River at the gateway from Lake Erie to the western Great Lakes. The French called it Fort Pontchartrain. It was a small …

This essay reviews the history of that settlement from its founding until Michigan was admitted into the Union as a state in 1837.