Founded in 1701 as a French trading post, Detroit was Michigan's original capital city largely due to its size and location along a river.

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6 U.S. Cities That Used To Be State Capitals

Before Lansing became the capital of Michigan in 1847, Detroit held the honor for over four decades.

Founded in 1701 as a French trading post, Detroit was Michigan's original capital city largely due to its size and location along a river. The latter meant it was an excellent hub for trading and a strategic spot for defense, making it a natural choice for the seat of government in a burgeoning territory. However, after Michigan officially became a state in 1837, officials felt a more centrally located capital was necessary. Since it was located in the middle of the state and had plenty of land to offer for development, Lansing was the ideal choice.

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