Detroit History

Detroit has been around since 1701, when the French founded a fort and missionary outpost here. One of the Midwest’s oldest cities, this metropolis has been overseen by three powers: France, Great Britain, and the United States. It grew quickly and by the early 20th century was one of the largest cities in the country.

It almost wasn’t to be, however, when in 1805 a huge fire caused untold damage and nearly ended the city’s existence. The fire allowed for a complete city redesign and planners implemented a baroque-style layout, with boulevards and a number of impressive parks.

Up to the time of the American Civil War, the city’s proximity to the Canadian border made it a key location, and a central part of the underground railroad system.

After the Civil War, Detroit was ripe for expansion and it became a huge centre for commercial ventures and a hub for global trade. Many wealthy industrialists moved to the city and the affluent neighbourhoods that grew up around town.

The carriage trade thrived here and provided the perfect backdrop for Henry Ford, founder of the Model T, to build his first ever car factory in 1899.

As Ford spawned competitors such as General Motors and Chrysler, they too set up in Detroit, soon turning the city into the head of the world’s automobile industry. More cars meant more jobs, and between 1900 and 1930, the city's population increased from 265,000 to over 1.5 million.

Wartime was a time of transition for Detroit, as factories transitioned from producing cars to military vehicles and bombers. The city became known as ‘The Arsenal of Democracy.’

The decline in motor manufacturing in the US and subsequent globalism eventually meant hard times for the city, and its profile briefly became one of urban decay and poverty.

However, recent redevelopment projects are breathing new life into Detroit’s historic streets, particularly around downtown, midtown, and the riverfront.

Did you know?
• Detroit served as a last stop on the Underground Railroad for slaves trying to reach Ontario, Canada.
• Opening its doors in 1977, the Marriott hotel at the Renaissance Center was the world’s tallest hotel. Today it is still the tallest in the US.
• The Donovan Building, home to Motown Records from 1968 to 1972, was demolished in 2006 and turned into car parking for the Super Bowl.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

The Atheneum Suite Hotel Detroit

This grand property’s location in Greektown is not taken lightly in terms of interior décor: you will find Greek revival touches and portraits of Greek mythology throughout. As the name suggests, the hotel offers suites only, and the 174 rooms have marble baths and the usual modern conveniences. There is no restaurant, but the hotel is situated close to a wide choice of eateries.

Dearborn Inn

Opened in 1931, this is actually the world’s first airport hotel, and though that specific airport has long since gone, the hotel retains a certain cachet. The Georgian building enjoys a plum location within 9 hectares (23 acres) of landscaped gardens, and feels like an oasis and an escape from the urban clamour. The hotel has two restaurants and a pool.

Holiday Inn Detroit Downtown

As well as a good range of value rooms, this well-located hotel has a choice of suites with their own kitchens if you plan to stay longer. A 24-hour business centre and full breakfast service are also big pluses, and you’re not far from the conveniences of downtown.

Hotel St. Regis

Just a few blocks from the Amtrak station, this hotel located conveniently close to the Motown Museum and downtown Detroit offers comfortable rooms in classy accommodations. St. Regis is a landmark among hotels, having housed such remarkable travelers as Martin Luther King and Mick Jagger. Their on-site restaurant, La Musique, hosts entertainment and cocktails weekly, and many lovers choose this building for their private weddings.

Trumbull and Porter Hotel

Pleasant and functional, this hotel near the banks of the Detroit River is more than its outdoor murals and lobby coffee bar. While you can see the city from your room, you’re also only a mile and a half from both Greektown and the Comerica Park Baseball Stadium, where the Detroit Tigers play. Your stay comes with free parking and WiFi, and in upgraded rooms, a whirlpool tub.

Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center

Soaring 73 floors above the Detroit River, this is Metro Detroit's largest hotel: it has no fewer than 1,298 guest rooms luxuriously appointed for both business and leisure travel. The hotel's location in the GM Renaissance Center means that guests have easy access to a variety of shops, restaurants and services. Guests dining at the hotel's American restaurant Volt have great views of the Detroit River and Windsor.

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