Detroit

Population: 1 million

Altitude: 575 ft

The French settled the city in 1701 and called it d'etroit or city "of straits", referring to the 27 mile Detroit River, which connects Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. The Detroit River, a segment of the international border between the United States and Canada, marks the only point where Canada lies directly south of the United States. A remnant of the early settlement is Ste. Anne de Detroit Catholic Church, whose original log chapel was built in 1701.

Strategically located, Detroit was the objective of several major campaigns during the struggle for supremacy between the French and the British. During the Revolutionary War the community served as Northwest headquarters for the British. The settlement took on new life following the War of 1812; the launching in 1818 of the first steam vessel on the Great Lakes and the subsequent expansion of shipbuilding and commerce helped to assure the future prosperity of the city.

However, at the turn of the 20th century Detroit was still a small town, busily engaged in making stoves, beer and carriages. Then along came Henry Ford and his creation, a practical vehicle "propelled by power generated from within itself," The Model T. Detroit was never the same.

With the birth and growth of the automobile industry, the town grew at an astounding rate. While still recovering from the rapid growth and expansion, the city recasted its image with such tags as "Motor City" and "Automotive Capitol of the World." The Detroit area is also a great steel center and a leader in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, office equipment, rubber products, salt, television components and more than half the garden seeds used throughout the country.

Today, Detroit is the 6th largest city in the USA. More than 195,000 employees work in the auto manufacturing field, which produces 25% of American cars and trucks.
Detroit is also home of the "Motown Sound," that was popularized by the Supremes, the Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye.

Motown Historical Museum (2648 W Grand Blvd) The Motown "sound" originated in this old brick home which now houses the museum. Such entertainers as Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross and the Supremes got their starts under the direction of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 2-5 Admission  ph: 313/867-0991