Detroit
Detroit is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the largest U.S. city on the Canadian border and the county seat of Wayne County. Detroit had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 census, making it the 26th-most populous city in the United States. The Metro Detroit area, home to 4.3 million people, is the second-largest in the Midwest after the Chicago metropolitan area and the 14th-largest in the United States. A significant cultural center, Detroit is known for its contributions to music, art, architecture, and design, in addition to its historical automotive background.
Some of the key events about Detroit
- 1701The city of Detroit was founded as a French colonial outpost
- 1805A devastating fire destroys most of the city
- 1863The Detroit Race Riot occurs, resulting in at least two deaths and extensive property damage
- 1896The first automobile was produced in Detroit, marking the beginning of its automotive industry
- 1929The Detroit Institute of Arts opened its current building, becoming a major cultural landmark
- 1930The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel opened, connecting the city to Canada
- 1943Race riots erupt, leaving 34 people dead and hundreds injured
- 1959Motown Records was founded, revolutionizing popular music
- 1967The 12th Street Riot becomes one of the most destructive civil disturbances in U.S. history
- 1974The city's homicide rate reaches a record high, earning Detroit the nickname "Murder City"
- 1980Republican National Convention protesters clash with police, leading to numerous arrests
- 1987The Detroit People Mover, an elevated light rail system, began operations in downtown
- 2001The Detroit International Riverfront project was launched, revitalizing the city's waterfront
- 2002Ford Field opened as the new home of the Detroit Lions NFL team
- 2004Campus Martius Park opened, becoming a central gathering place in downtown Detroit
- 2008The city's mayor is charged with multiple felonies, including perjury and obstruction of justice
- 2009The unemployment rate in Detroit reaches 28.9%, the highest of any major U.S. city
- 2013Detroit becomes the largest U.S. city to file for bankruptcy
- 2017Little Caesars Arena opened, serving as a new sports and entertainment venue
- 2020The COVID-19 pandemic hits Detroit particularly hard, with one of the highest death rates in the country
Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.