Interesting Facts about Detroit Michigan
For hundreds of years, the area was so important to
commerce between Native American tribes that only traders were allowed
into the territory.
Detroit wouldn't begin to shape into its current form
until roughly three centuries ago. That's when French explorer Antoine
de la Mothe Cadillac landed on the banks of the Detroit River and
established a fort in 1701. Nine years later he was removed from his
post as outpost commander due to "ill conduct" (i.e. excessive lining of
his own pockets).
Change would remain a constant throughout Detroit's
first century. In 1760, French rule gave way to British. And in 1796 the
United States took over Detroit as a result of Jay's Treaty.
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 things, the manufacturing of cigars and kitchen ranges.
So why did Detroit become the Motor City instead of
the stove-making capital of the world?
It's in large part due to the influence of a farmer's
son named Henry Ford. In 1896, Ford built his first car in Detroit - not
an entirely earth-shattering event since the automobile had already been
around for a while. It was the method of building cars that he would
later devise - the moving assembly line - that put the world on wheels.
During the early part of the 20th century, dozens of
companies emerged in the area committed to finding success in the new
industry. During World War II, the factories they built to produce cars
were put to use churning out weapons for the Allied Powers. The
production edge they provided helped to win the war.
Ironically, it was a former autoworker that led the
way for Detroit's other famous 20th century contribution - Motown.
Founded by Berry Gordy Jr. with just an $800 family loan, the upstart
record company introduced the world to Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder,
Smokie Robinson, Michael Jackson, the Temptations, Diana Ross and others
- all of whom either grew up or gained their first fame in Detroit.
At the start of the 21st century, metro Detroit is
starting to reap the rewards of decades of work put into revitalization.
We encourage you to come and examine our region's rich history, learn
more about our bright future and enjoy our exciting present.
Famous Detroiters
. Aaliyah, singer, actress
. Tim Allen, actor, comedian
. Anita Baker, singer
. Francis Ford Coppola, film director, producer
. Aretha Franklin, singer
. Thomas Hearns, boxer
. Casey Kasem, radio star
. Elmore "Dutch" Leonard, author
. Charles Lindbergh, pilot
. Lone Ranger, radio star who debuted on local WWJ Radio
. Joe Louis, boxer
. Madonna, actress, singer
. Ed McMahon, television host
. Smokey Robinson, singer, songwriter
. Diana Ross, actress, singer
. Tom Selleck, actor
. Blair Underwood, actor
. Robert Wagner, actor
. Robin Williams, actor, comedian
. Stevie Wonder, singer, songwriter
. Eminem (b. Marshall Mathers)
. Kid Rock (b. Robert James Ritchie)
. Bob Seger
. Ted Nugent
. Jack and Meg White (the White Stripes)
Climate
Average high and low temperatures (Fahrenheit/Celsius)
Month High/Low (F) High/Low (C)
January 31/16 -1/-9
February 34/18 1/-8
March 44/27 7/-3
April 58/37 14/3
May 69/47 21/8
June 79/56 26/13
July 83/61 28/16
August 82/59 28/15
September 74/52 23/11
October 63/41 17/5
November 48/31 9/-1
December 35/22 2/-7
Record High Temperature: 105/40.5 in July 1934
Record Low Temperature: -24/-31 on Dec. 22, 1872
Mean Annual Temperature: 48.6/9.2
Average Snowfall: 41.1 inches/102.75
centimeters
Average Wind: 10.4 mph/16.64 kph
Major Industry
Internationally known for automobile manufacturing and
trade, the world headquarters of General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co.
and the North American headquarters of DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen
are located in metro Detroit. The area ranks as a leader in the
production of paints, non-electrical machinery and automation equipment,
as well as pharmaceutical, rubber products, synthetic resins and garden
seed. Other national and international corporations headquartered here
include The Budd Company, American National Resources, Kelly Services,
SBC, Federal Mogul and Kmart, plus pizza giants Domino's, Hungry Howie's
and Little Caesars. These companies employ more than 2 million metro
Detroiters.
Employment by Industry
Agriculture, mining & natural resources 20,236
Manufacturing 419,871
Transportation, communication & utility 121,683
Wholesale trade 131,303
Retail trade
392,604
Finance, insurance & real estate 182,873
Services
915,743
Public administration 78,715
Total
2,262,758
Detroit content reprinted with permission from
Statistics from the Southeast Michigan Council of
Governments as of 2000
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