Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1837-10-11
From Tia neiroi, Eres Press.

MICHIGAN Its Resources and History
from be earliest colonization 10 the present
line. By JAMES ii. LANMAN.
The magni ude and growing importance |
of the STATE OF MICHIGAN, have induced
me to undertake the above named work
For the last eight months have been en-
gagged at intervals, in collecting materials
for that object. The task has been labor-
GUS, as these material, have been scattered
around in tradtionary morsels; mouldy
and obsolete volumes. Some
nave existed in rough fragments, some in
sculptured masses. and others had not been
hewn from the quarry. My single effort
has been TO gather these scattered facts,
and mould them into well proportioned
fabric, which shall exhibit the state Of Mchi-
gan. in all lis length aud breadth.
Sibjoined are somo OF the principal rea-
sons which have led to its prosecution. In
the first place, no attempt has heretofore
been made to set forth the process and
resources OF Michigan in a connected and
imple form. TIE sketches which have
p eale.. IN Ter the auspices OF the Hisori.
: al Society, proceeding from some OF the
prominent minds OF the state. are all for
which they were designed, Fragmeatary
Discourses, and they could be no otherwise,
from the circumstances under which they
we're prepared. | am aware of no other
similar effort.
Every man who possess the least amount
Of real properly in the state, has an interest
n any enterprise which tends to show Its
resources; AID it isequaIly true, that a
90 general ignorance prevails abroad III
gard to the actual position OF Michigan.
Fiat pos ton is such that I pesd not fear
developenent. It's amazing growth is al
most anexamped in the history OF the con-
nent. Twenty years ago, few small
| lamlels constituted the main part of its pop
latop since that period it has sprung for
ward upon the ield--a powerful state, full
armed, Ike Minerva, from the brain OF
Joye. Nature has avished her bounties
Upon its la..ds and lakes. Inland seas WASH
is shores, which in their aggregate size,
are exceeded by no other body OF fresh wa.
Ter on the globe, and they give to Mich.
gan line Of Manageable sea.coast, which
would reach nearly halfacross the Atlantic.
Inc internal strength of the state, spring.
ing from its agriculture, commercial, man
liacturing and mineral resources, the in.
:rease oil Its population, its gorgeous scene
| ", the extent of its domain, and the varie
| yof tie soil connected from the remotest
.oInt by numerous rivers, furnishing The
means Of naviga ion, extensive hydraulic
power, and facilities for the establishment
Of public works, such as railroads and ca
nals, spread out glorious VISIONS OF future
growth and opulence. OF such country
Its citizens may be justly proud. lndepen
It's ante.consttutional history is OF marked
interest. from the period when Jane;
Cartier, first trod the shores of New France
me region of country which we inhabit, ex
nibits a strange and wild succession o
facts, as connected with the fur trade, thu
Indian tribes, and the struggles between
lie French, the savages, the British ant
Americans for the dominion of the coun
ry, which deserves perInanet record.
The following will be the plan Of the
work: | shall give general chronological
history of New Frauce, within whose lint!
ne settled portion Of Michigan was EN-
0raccd, down to the colonization of Detroit
and thence trace the progress of the state
n condensed form.to tho present time
1t will contain an account of the early Cath
'hc missionary establishment the jur trade
he Indian, french. British, and america,
oars the successive constitutional change
Of the state; its groscih; the character O
NE soil IN different sections its commerce
topography, population and general statistics
seek from the public no coun;enance il
advance, except SO far as it will enable M
o carry out the work as it should be &C
complished, although shall require all thei
indulgence. Such enterprises are dlscour
aging at best, and barron indeed must Thu
De, unless supported by public appreciation
JAMES II. LANMAN.