Michigan’s Path to Statehood 1830 – 1837 Ellen Rambo

Welcome! I hope you enjoy this lesson about Michigan’s path to statehood; the path is unlike an other. You will learn about: The teenaged governor Requirements for statehood Michigan’s war with Toledo! How the issue of slavery impacted Michigan’s admittance, and more. There will be a short quiz at the end to test your understanding. You will need to get 2 out of 3 correct to pass.

Background Michigan was originally part of the Northwest Territory. The Michigan Territory was established in 1817 after Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois were admitted into the Union. The territory reached all the way to the Missouri River in present day South Dakota! To learn more about westward expansion, click here.

The Boy Governor Stevens T. Mason moved to the Michigan Territory with his father in 1830 when his father was appointed Secretary of the Territory by He took over his father’s job in 1831 at the age of 19. You had to be 21 to vote! Tom Mason filled in for the governors who were gone most of the time. For more information, press Pres. Andrew Jackson. Return to Question 2

Steps to Statehood When the population reached 5,000 adults, elections could be held to pick a legislature. The legislature chose a member of the U.S. House of Representatives who was a non-voting member. With 60,000 adults, the legislature drafted a state constitution and a Bill of Rights. A formal request for statehood was made. U.S. Congress accepted or denied the request.

Michigan’s Road to Statehood The Territory’s population ballooned from 5,000 - 85,000 people between 1807 and 1835. This was due to the Erie Canal, which opened in 1825. It was now much easier to travel to the west. In 1835, a territorial government was elected and the state constitution was written. Stevens Mason was elected Governor, before official statehood! All Michigan needed was Toledo to make it’s request complete.

The Toledo War When Ohio was admitted into the Union, it used the incorrect northern border, which was supposed to fall south of Toledo. Ohio, however, wanted Toledo for its port. Michigan wanted it back, and Gov. Mason threatened war. It was an impossible task to reclaim the land because Ohio was a state and Michigan was a powerless territory. Michigan lost this verbal war, compromising instead for the Upper Peninsula. The U. P. ended up a much better deal. Back to Question 1

Slavery and Statehood The United States government was very fragile. Even in 1835, 30 years before the Civil War, the issue of slavery was very a bitter topic. Southern states would only allow Michigan’s statehood if a slave state was admitted at the same time. Arkansas was paired with Michigan and was the 25th state admitted into the Union. To learn more, click here.

Statehood at Last! With the end of the Toledo War and the slave state issue settled, the U.S. Congress admitted Michigan as the 26th State of the Union on January 26, 1837.

The State Seal Do you notice that the seal states 1835 as the date of statehood (MDCCCXXXV) when it officially entered the Union in 1837? 1835 is the year that Michiganders elected their own legislature, governor, and approved a state constitution. To them, they were a state. Press Here to learn more about our state’s seal. Back to Question 3

It’s Time to Test Your Knowledge! You will be given three questions. Do your best, that’s all I ask. Good Luck!

Question #1 What was the major obstacle to Michigan’s statehood? 1. Poor communication 2. The Toledo War 3. Michigan citizen’s did not want to join the Union 4. The territory did not have enough people. Press here for Question #2

Try Again! Here’s a hint: It has to do with our neighbor. Click here to find the answer Return to quiz

Try Again! Here’s a hint: It has to do with our neighbor. Click here to find the answer Return to quiz

Try Again! Here’s a hint: It has to do with our neighbor. Click here to find the answer Return to quiz

You are Correct! 2. The Toledo War Click here to return to the quiz Nicely Done!!!

Question #2 Gov. Lewis Cass Gov. George Porter Gov. Stevens Mason Who led Michigan’s efforts to become a state? Gov. Lewis Cass Gov. George Porter Gov. Stevens Mason Pres. Andrew Jackson Click here for Question #3

Try Again! I’ll give you a hint: he was known as the “Boy Governor.” Click here to find the correct answer. Return to the quiz

Try Again! I’ll give you a hint: he was known as the “Boy Governor.” Click here to find the correct answer. Return to the quiz

Try Again! I’ll give you a hint: he was known as the “Boy Governor.” Click here to find the correct answer. Return to the quiz

Your are Correct! 2. Stevens Mason, the “Boy Governor” Return to the quiz Nicely Done!!!

Question #3 Why does the year on Michigan’s seal (1835) differ from the official date of recognition (1837)? 1. Michigan residents recognized it’s statehood after the 1835 election. 2. It was an error. 3. The Union gave out seals when territories were in the process of becoming states. 4. Michiganders like to confuse people. Click here for the last page

Try Again! Let’s find the correct answer. Here’s a hint: it was done on purpose. Return to quiz

Try Again! Let’s find the correct answer. Here’s a hint: it was done on purpose. Return to quiz

Try Again! Let’s find the correct answer. Here’s a hint: it was done on purpose. Return to quiz

You’re are Correct! Nicely Done!!! 1. Michigan residents recognized statehood after the 1935 elections. Go back to Question 3 Nicely Done!!!

Congratulations! I hope that you learned a lot of interesting information about our state. Be sure to discuss your new knowledge when you get home today. You will teach your family a lot! Next time, you will learn how Michigan became the copper capital of the country and how the state was involved in the Civil War. Start Over