The Michigan State Capitol (1847) in Lansing is the building housing the legislative and executive branches of the Michigan government.   Michigan’s statehood application in 1832 was originally rebuffed due to a dispute with Ohio over the Toledo Strip.

The dispute culminated in what has become known as the Toledo War, as Michigan and Ohio militia took up arms in the area.  By 1835, Michigan had formed a state government without receiving authorization from Congress to do so.

As a condition for entering the Union, Michigan was forced to accept the western three-quarters of the Upper Peninsula in exchange for ceding its claim to the Toledo Strip.  The land included 9,000 square miles of the most valuable timber, iron, and copper country in America.

The first state capital was in Detroit, and there was a debate among Michigan cities for the second location. Contenders included Ann Arbor, Jackson, Grand Rapids, and Marshall. In hopes of being chosen, Marshall even built a mansion for the governor.  Maggie LaNoue created this Pen & Ink drawing in the 1990’s, and it is part of the Michigan Landmark series.  It is available as cards and prints.

Michigan Capitol Building – Catalog #114- mini