Lansing History Facts and Timeline

(Lansing, Michigan - MI, USA)

The American city of Lansing began its history relatively late when compared to other parts of Michigan. In fact, it wasn't until the very last decade of the 18th century that this area was spotted by an explorer on the Grand River.

At this time, the land comprised much dense woodland and it remained one of the last townships of Michigan to be surveyed, due to its inaccessibility. The land making up Lansing of today was eventually put up for sale at the beginning of the 1830s.

A few years later, two brothers arrived from New York and began to plan the current-day southerly suburbs named REO Town. They called it Biddle City and although the land suffered from major flooding problems, the brothers headed to Lansing, New York, where they began to sell plots.

A Non-Existent Town

The brothers dishonestly described a city with more than 50 blocks, complete with a church and public square. In total, they managed to sell more than 15 plots, and it was not until the prospective group of settlers arrived that they realised the scam.

Although many members of the group cut their losses and left, a handful chose to stay and began to establish a small community, naming it Lansing after their home town.

A Change in Fortunes

Over the next decade, the close-knit community managed to survive here, setting up farms and buildings houses, although the total population numbered less than 20 people. History remembers the importance of 1847, since it was at the end of this year that the state constitution suggested moving the capital from the city of Detroit.

This decision was based on the fact that Detroit was rather exposed, being close to the coast, and had previously been overthrown by Canada and then controlled by the British. A more central, safer location would therefore be desirable and many places were suggested, including Ann Arbor and also Marshall.

The Michigan House of Representatives decided that tiny Lansing was the perfect choice, a decision that many regarded as laughable, due to its size and lack of infrastructure. Nevertheless, the following year Lansing was granted status of Michigan capital and seat of government.

Population Explosion

Suddenly forced into the limelight, Lansing began to grow at quite a pace. History remembers how the Grand River played a central part of city plans, with many key developments being laid out around its banks, particularly around the present-day Old Town district, along the Grand River Avenue (previously named Franklin Avenue).

Downtown Lansing also gained much attention, once the Michigan Avenue Bridge had been completed. A temporary state capitol was built here on Capitol Avenue and the total population quickly shot up to almost 3,000 people by the late 1850s.

Growth continued apace over the next couple of decades, especially when the railroad arrived. A permanent Michigan State Capitol was completed in 1878, after roughly five years' worth of construction work and costs exceeding US$1.5 million.

20th Century Onwards

Many important dates in Lansing history have taken place in the 20th century. These include a devastating flood in 1904, the founding of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra in 1929 and the opening of the Frandor Shopping Center in 1954.

The Lansing Community College was founded in 1957, and in 1960, the city's population topped 100,000 people. In 1989, the Library of Michigan and Historical Center was dedicated, while in 2002, the Michigan Supreme Court Building opened.

Today, the city of Lansing is a productive state capital with a healthy economy, fed by a number of insurance and manufacturing businesses, as well as banks, healthcare companies and the resident General Motors Company, which has its origins here in the late 1890s.