Most feel that the name Michigan is derived from the Indian words "Michi-gama" meaning "large lake." Its nickname is the
Wolverine state. Others, however, note that it may be named from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) word "Majigan", which means "clearing," inspired by a clearing on the west side of the lower peninsula. 

Residents are called: Michiganians, Michiganders, and Wolverines.

The State Motto Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice means "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about
you".

Area: 58,513 square miles (the 22nd biggest state).

Highest Point: Mt. Arvon, Baraga County, 1,979 feet (603 m).

Lowest Point: Lake Erie, 571 feet (174 m).

Geographic Center: Wexford, 5 miles north-northwest of Cadillac.

Population: 1990: 9,295,000 (8th in US)
                  1998: 9,817,000 (8th)

Michigan was admitted to the Union in 1837 as the 26th state and our present Capitol was dedicated in Lansing in
1879.

Population per 1990 Census: 9,295,297 (est. 9,594,000 in 1996). National rank eighth in population among 50 states.

Representatives in Congress: 16. State Senators: 38; State Representatives: 110. There are 83 counties in Michigan.

State Symbols
State Bird: Robin (1931)
State Tree: White Pine (1955)
State Gem: Chlorastrolite (1972)
State Soil: Kalkaska Soil Series (1990)
State Flower: Apple Blossom (1897)
State Fish: Brook Trout (1988)
State Stone: Petoskey Stone (1963)
State Reptile: Painted Turtle (1996)
State Game Mammal: Whitetailed Deer (1997)
State Wildflower: Dwarf Lake Iris (1998)

Other facts
Statehood: Jan. 26, 1837, the 26th state.
State abbreviations: Mich. (traditional); MI (postal).
State capital: Lansing, Michigan's capital since 1847. Detroit served as capital from 1837 to 1847.
State motto: Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you).
Popular name: The Wolverine State.
State song (unofficial): "Michigan, My Michigan." Words by Douglas M. Malloch.
State flag and seal: The state flag, adopted in 1911, bears a version of the state seal. The seal was adopted in 1835. A bald eagle, the national bird, symbolizes the superior authority and jurisdiction of the United States over state governments. An elk and a moose, representing Michigan, support a shield with the Latin word Tuebor, which means "I Will Defend".

Land and climate
Area: 58,513 sq. mi. (151,548 sq. km), including 1,704 sq. mi. (4,412 sq. km) of inland water but excluding 38,192 sq. mi. (98,917 sq. km) of Great Lakes water.
Elevation: Highest--Mount Curwood, 1,980 ft. (604 m) above sea level. Lowest--572 ft. (174 m) above sea level along Lake Erie.
Record high temperature: 112 degrees F (44 degrees C) at Mio on July 13, 1936.
Record low temperature: -51 degrees F (-46 degrees C) at Vanderbilt on Feb. 9, 1934.
Average July temperature: 69 degrees F (21 degrees C).
Average January temperature: 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C).
Average yearly precipitation: 32 in. (81 cm).

People
Population: 9,328,784 (1990 census).
Rank among the states: 8th.
Density: 159 persons per sq. mi. (62 per sq. km), U.S. average 69 per sq. mi. (27 per sq. km).
Distribution: 70 percent urban, 30 percent rural.
Largest cities in Michigan: Detroit (1,027,974); Grand Rapids (189,126); Warren (144,864); Flint (140,761); Lansing (127,321); Sterling Heights (117,810).

Economy
Chief products
Agriculture: milk, greenhouse and nursery products, soybeans, corn, apples.
Manufacturing: transportation equipment, machinery, fabricated metal products, chemicals, food products.
Mining: natural gas, iron ore, petroleum

Great Seal and State Flag of Michigan


Michigan's great animals are depicted on the Great Seal, with the elk on the left and the moose on the right supporting the shield. The Latin motto "Tuebor" translates as "I will protect".  Written below the shield is the inscription, "Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice" or translated, if you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you. This reference was to the Lower Peninsula, because the Upper Peninsula was not added until after the Seal was adopted in 1837. It was in compensation for the loss of a strip of land on our southern border which was obtained by Ohio when Congress recognized Michigan as a state.  Shown above the shield with the eagle is the motto of the United States - "E Pluribus Unum" (out of many, one).  The interior of the shield has a sun rising over a lake. This scene calls attention to a man standing on a peninsula. The figure has his right hand raised, symbolizing peace. He holds a rifle in his left hand, meaning that he also stands ready to defend the state and nation.  Michigan's present State Flag and Great Seal were adopted by the Legislature in 1911 and reflect the ideas and design of Lewis Cass, second Governor of the Michigan territory from 1813-1831.

This material has been compiled for educational use only, and may not be reproduced without permission.  One copy may be printed for personal use.  Please contact Randall Schaetzl (soils@msu.edu) for more information or permissions.