Complex sentence: In 1854 the Detroit River served as the highway that brought men and materials to build Wyandotte industries and homes, but generations of Wyandotters would also depend on the river for food and fresh water.
Split into simpler sentences: In 1854 the Detroit River served as the highway that brought men and materials to build Wyandotte industries and homes. Generations of Wyandotters would depend on the river for food and fresh water.