"Detroit is the largest city of opportunity in the world."
-Detroit City Directory, 1924-1925
The American Metropolis
Detroit, Michigan finds her 20th century identity in Motown and the glorious success of the automotive industry. This website seeks to delve deeper, to examine the lives of its citizens, cartography, and rich cultural history to define Detroit in the years 1790-1920. During this time period, America was finding her individuality as nation. We can trace America's search for identity in the boomtown metropolises of the midwest that sprang up during the 19th century. As these cities grew and changed throughout the years, they reflected the dynamism of early 20th century America.
Detroit Skyline at night from Windsor, Detroit, Michigan: 1890
The city of Detroit began humbly as a French military outpost on Lake St. Claire and the Detroit River.