Cut and discard this bottom portion.

Michigan

Tree & FlowersCut and discard this bottom portion.

Eastern White Pine

Apple Blossom

Great Lakes StateCut and discard this bottom portion.

Bordering on four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan is divided into Upper and Lower peninsulas by the Straits of Mackinac, which link lakes Michigan and Huron. The two parts of the state are connected by the Mackinac Bridge, one of the world's longest suspension bridges.

CapitalCut and discard this bottom portion.

• Lansing is the capital of Michigan.

• This is a picture of the capitol building. Decisions are made here for the people of Michigan.

IndustryCut and discard this bottom portion.

IndustryWhile Michigan ranks first among the states

in production of motor vehicles and parts, it is also a leader in many other manufacturing and processing lines, including prepared cereals, machine tools, airplane parts, refrigerators, hardware, and furniture.

Lansing, MICut and discard this bottom portion.

• February is Black History Month! Lansing's African American heritage is as old as the city itself. Lansing's first black resident of record is James Little, a freed slave from New York state. Little came to Lansing in 1847 and started a farm.In this month's photo we see William Leabs, Jr., an African American businessman. He's standing in front of his store, the Marquette Shoe Shining Parlor. This business is listed in the Lansing City Directories of 1902 and 1904, and the photo presumably dates from about that same time frame.

Resources & BibliographyCut and discard this bottom portion.

• Visit Michigan History Magazine for a look at the Michigan State symbols:

• http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mhc_mhm_statesymbols2002_47909_7.pdf

• Also see: