Great lake city is the perfect nickname for Michigan, with its two huge peninsulas surrounded by the country’s four largest lakes: Superior, Huron, Michigan, and Erie. The name is from the Chippewa word mici-gama, meaning great lake.

For decades, Upper Peninsula mines led the U.S. in iron and copper output. Michigan also produced salt, gypsum, and oil. Loggers cut white pines on both peninsulas. Railroads and steamships hauled cargo to market, a task made easier by the completion of lock on the Soo Canal that linked Lakes Superior and Huron.

By the late 1800s, the iron and steel industry had grown strong here, ignited by several automobile pioneers in the 1890s, including Henry Ford with his mass production of automobiles. Assembly-line jobs gave rise to labour unions and attracted immigrants.

Michigan still ranks as the US leader in automobile and parts production but is also known for a variety of other products, ranging from chemicals to breakfast food. Michigan is working hard to diversify its economy, focusing on service and high-technology businesses.