Description
Book Synopsis: West to Far Michigan is a study of the lower peninsula's occupation by agriculturalists, whose presence forever transformed the land and helped to create the modern state of Michigan. This is not simply a history of Michigan, but rather a work that focuses on why the state developed as it did. Although Michigan is seen today as an industrial state whose history is couched in terms of the fur trade and the international rivalry for the Great Lakes, agricultural settlement shaped its expansion. Using a model of agricultural colonization derived from comparative studies, Lewis examines the settlement process in Michigan between 1815 and 1860. This period marked the opening of Michigan to immigrants, saw the rise of commercial agriculture, and witnessed Michigan's integration into the larger national economy.
Employing numerous primary sources, West to Far Michigan traces changes and patterns of settlement crucial to documenting the large-scale development of southern Michigan as a region. Diaries, letters, memoirs, gazetteers, and legal documents serve to transform the more abstract elements of economic and social change into more human terms. Through the experiences of the early Agriculturists process, we can gain insight into how their triumphs played out in communities within the region to produce small-scale elements that comprise the fabric of the larger cultural landscape.
Details
Discover the untold story of Michigan's transformation from a wilderness to a thriving state with West to Far Michigan: Settling the Lower Peninsula, 1815-1860. In this captivating book, author Lewis investigates how agricultural settlement shaped the region, ultimately paving the way for Michigan's modern development. Through careful analysis and the use of primary sources, Lewis presents a comprehensive study that sheds light on the economic and social changes that occurred during this crucial period.
Unlike any other history book on Michigan, West to Far Michigan explores the reasons behind the state's development, going beyond the standard narratives of the fur trade and Great Lakes rivalry. By delving into the model of agricultural colonization, Lewis unveils the factors that led to Michigan's integration into the national economy. From diaries and letters to memoirs and legal documents, this book brings the stories of early Agriculturists to life, allowing you to gain insight into the triumphs and challenges they faced.
If you've ever wondered how Michigan became the state it is today, West to Far Michigan is a must-read. Immerse yourself in the detailed accounts of Michigan's transformation and gain a deeper understanding of the communities that shaped its history. Don't miss out on this fascinating exploration of the lower peninsula's agricultural past.
Get your copy of West to Far Michigan today and embark on a journey through history that will leave you inspired and informed. Experience the captivating stories of Michigan's early settlers and gain a new perspective on the factors that contributed to the state's development.
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