1787

Northwest Territory created, including Michigan.

1796

British leave Michigan.

1803

Michigan becomes part of Indiana Territory.

1805

Michigan Territory created, including only the lower peninsula.

1818

Michigan Territory expands to include the Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin and part of Minnesota.

1825

Erie Canal opens. More people come to Michigan.

1831

Stevens T. Mason, secretary of the Michigan Territory.

1835

Michigan adopts a constitution, elects Stevens T. Mason governor and asks to become a state.

1836

U.S. Congress proposes giving Toledo to Ohio and the western part of the Upper Peninsula to Michigan. Michigan must accept the compromise to become a state.

1837

Michigan becomes a state on January 26.

1847

Lansing becomes Michigan's capital city.