Lincoln's 'Michigander' & Cass's Military Tail | May 29

Lincoln's 'Michigander' & Cass's Military Tail | May 29

On this day in 1848, Abraham Lincoln coined the term "Michigander" to describe Lewis Cass, sparking a lasting debate over the correct term for Michigan residents.

Kirk Gibson's Birthday & Sojourner Truth's Speech| May 28

On this day in 1957, Detroit Tiger Kirk Gibson was born in Pontiac, Michigan. And in 1851, Sojourner Truth delivered her 'Ain't I A Woman' speech, advocating for women's rights and racial equality.

James Robinson's Valor & Detroit's Tribute| May 27

On this day in 2019, the Michigan Society of the Sons of the American Revolution honored Private James Robinson, a Black soldier in the Revolutionary War and War of 1812, with a bronze marker for his valor.

Detroit's First Election & Model T's End| May 26

On this day in 1768, Detroit held its first election, with Philippe Dejean voted as judge and justice of the district. Public records show 31 men voted. And in 1967, Kay E. Whitfield of Pontiac and Noreen E. Hillary of Grand Rapids were sworn in as the first women officers of the Michigan State Police. On this day in 1927, Ford Motor Co. produced the last Model T, ending the production of America’s first mass-produced automobile. The Model T, which captured the nation’s imagination, had more than 15 million units manufactured and held the longest production run until 1972.

Thompson's Enlistment & Edmonds' Legacy| May 25

On this day in 1861, Franklin Thompson joined the 2nd Michigan Infantry, bravely serving as a spy, field medic, mail carrier, and soldier. Thompson successfully infiltrated Confederate lines 11 times, but the biggest act of disguise was joining the infantry in the first place. Mr. Franklin Thompson was actually Ms. Sarah Emma Edmonds, born in Canada. Disguising herself to enlist, Edmonds was later recognized as a combat soldier of the Civil War by Congress and granted a pension. Her autobiography, Nurse and Spy in the Union Army, was dedicated to the “sick and wounded soldiers of the Army of the Potomac,” with all profits donated to soldier aid societies.