Operation AXIOM: Yes, M!ch!gan!

Si Quæris Peninsulam Amœnam Circumspice
("If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you")

One hundred eighty-six years ago to the day, 26 January 1837, Michigan was admitted into the Union as the twenty-sixth of these United States of America. Under the protocols of the Missouri Compromise of 1820, Michigan's admission as a free state balanced Arkansas's 1836 admission as a slave state. The Michigan Territory's state constitution was approved by a convention in 1835, but Congressional approval was delayed until after the resolution of a border dispute with the State of Ohio (admitted 1803), which saw the "Toledo Strip" awarded to Ohio & what is now the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) given to Michigan as recompense.

Michigan is unique among the several states in being composed of two peninsulas. In addition to Michigan being surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, there are almost sixty-five thousand lakes & ponds within these pleasant peninsulas; one is never more than six miles from a natural water source (a lake, river, or spring) nor more than eighty-five miles from a Great Lake. The name Michigan originates in an Ojibwe language word, mishigamaa, usually translated as "large water."

Michigan was admitted to the Union, 26 January 1837, one hundred eighty-six years ago today.

Tuebor
("I will defend")

Bonus! Song of Michigan's Statehood
Sufjan Stevens, "For the Widows in Paradise, for the Fatherless in Ypsilanti" from Sufjan Stevens Presents… Greetings from Michigan, the Great Lake State (Michigan Papa Wolverine)

Commentary:

"If there's anything to say,
If there's anything to do,
If there's any other way,
I'll do anything for you…"

The Wayback Machine Tour of Michigan's Statehood
2022: 185 Years | 2021: 184 Years
2020: 183 Years | 2019: 182 Years
2018: 181 Years | 2017: 180 Years