Michigan is a populated and industrial state in the heart of America. Its principle industries are manufacturing, mining agriculture, food processing and fishing. The 26th state of the union when it entered on January 26, 1837. French fur traders first settled the area in 1616 and set up a mission at Sault Ste. Marie in 1641, with a settlement developing in 1668. In 1763 the region was ceded to Britain and after the war of 1812 with the British, Michigan became a territory of the United States. Tourism is a big business in Michigan and several attractions contribute, including: the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, American Village and the Michigan Space Center. Famous Michiganians include: George Custer, Gerald R. Ford, Thomas Dewey, Wil Kellogg, Charles Lindbergh and Joe Lewis. @
