To become a state, Michigan had to have 60,000 people. First, Governor
Mason ordered a census, a count of all the people, who lived in the territory.
Michigan had 85,856 people just in the lower peninsula!
Michigan also needed a constitution, which set up basic rules for governing
the state, and elected state officials. Michigan voters approved the
constitution on October 5, 1835. They also elected Stevens T. Mason governor
of the state.
Lastly, the United States Congress in Washington, D.C. had to approve
statehood for Michigan. The Senate and House passed the bill. President Andrew
Jackson signed it on January 26, 1837.
The Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1835, first page shown
above, is in the Archives of Michigan. It is displayed each year on "Celebrate
Statehood" day in January
