Get to know Michigan like never before with this collection of facts and stories that explore the state’s history and culture, including funny, weird, and wild moments. If you think you know Michigan, think again! Of course, there are the Great Lakes, the Motor City, and the championship sports teams, but did you know that Michigan once had a self-proclaimed king living on an island in Lake Michigan? How about that Chrysler made 22,000 tanks for the war effort in World War II? Have you heard about fluorescent sodalite? It glows under an ultraviolet flashlight and is a sought-after find. Curious & Fascinating Facts: Michigan is your guide to everything you ever wanted to know about the Great Lakes State and plenty of information that you never knew you needed to know! Written by Michigander Kathryn Houghton and packed with hundreds of facts—including the weird, wild, and wonderfully unexpected—this book is perfect for the campfire, road trips, family games, trivia night, or quiet reading time. It goes beyond a history lesson—it’s a journey through Michigan’s arts, culture, natural wonders, and so much more. Test your knowledge with topics like these: The invention that put the world on wheels - Wild encounters with animals—and monsters? - Maritime mysteries and shipwreck legends - Famous Michiganders, from movies to Motown Whether you’re a proud resident or a visitor who loves quirky facts, prepare to explore Michigan—one fascinating fact at a time! Born and raised in mid-Michigan, Kathryn Houghton has spent most of her life in the Mitten State and can’t imagine living anywhere else. She teaches writing and editing at Michigan State University. She lives in Holt with her sister and three dogs. At a Glance Territory dates: January 11, 1805, to January 25, 1837 Entered the union: January 26, 1837, as the 26th state Population (2020): 10,077,331 Median household income: $69,183 Average household income: $93,806 Area: Total: 96,714 square miles - Land: 56,539 square miles - Great Lakes: 38,174 square miles Fun fact: The area around Lansing is often called mid-Michigan, but it might be more accurate to give the area around Traverse City this name. Because of Michigan’s unusual shape and the amount of the Great Lakes that are counted in the state-area measurement, this town on Lake Michigan is actually the geographic center of the state. Highest point: Mount Arvon, 1,979 feet above sea level Lowest point: Lake Erie shoreline, approximately 570 feet above sea level Fun fact: Because the lowest point in Michigan is on the shore of a Great Lake, the actual measurement varies based on the water level of the lake. Instead of updating the height above sea level on a day-to-day basis, many measurements of the lowest point of elevation use the Low Water Datum. This measurement of elevation of water levels must be updated every few decades to reflect recent trends. The Coordinating Committee on Great Lakes Basic Hydraulic and Hydrologic Data is expected to update this measurement in approximately 2027. Highest waterfall: Douglass Houghton Waterfall, 110 feet tall Number of counties: 83 Fun fact: Wayne County was the first county in what would become Michigan. It was officially established in 1796, when Michigan was still part of the Northwest Territory. Wayne County has shrunk significantly in size since its birth near the turn of the 19th century. When it was first established, it included all of the current state of Michigan and parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Dickinson County, on the border of Wisconsin, was the last county established in 1891, making it the state’s “youngest” county. Largest city: Detroit Population (2020): 639,111 Capital city: Lansing Population (2020): 112,644 Fun fact: Lansing was not the original capital of Michigan, and it wasn’t even initially named Lansing. When the state capital moved to mid-Michigan in 1847, the town selected was named “Michigan,” and it resided in Lansing Township. Age demographics: Under 18: 21% - 18–64: 59.7% - 65 and older: 19.3% Median age: 40.5 Average family size: 3.0 Number of males per 100 females: 97.9 Racial demographics: White: 73.8% - Black or African American: 13.2% - Two or more races: 7.2% - Other: 1.9% - Asian: 3.4% - American Indian and Alaska native: 0.5% - Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander: <0.1% Oldest resident: Bonita Gibson, Canton, Michigan, age 113 at time of writing Richest resident: Dan Gilbert, founder and chairman of Quicken Loans. Esimated net worth of more than $20 billion. Most and least densely packed county: Most: Wayne County, 2,888 inhabitants per square mile - Least: Keweenaw County, 4 inhabitants per square mile