Most people recognize Michigan as the car capital of the world and birthplace of the American auto industry. But some may not realize there’s more to our state’s auto legacy than just manufacturing cars. Here are some less-known facts, from national firsts to random trivia every Michigander can appreciate.
Take a Cruise Down Woodward Memory Lane
- Woodward Avenue was named after Augustus B. Woodward, the first Chief Judge for the Michigan Territory. Woodward worked to help rebuild Detroit after a widespread fire in 1805.
- Henry Ford lived near Woodward, at 58 Bagley Avenue when he created his first automobile in 1896.
- The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant – home of the Ford Model T – is just a few blocks from Woodward.
- The first moving assembly line was in the Ford Motor Company Factory on Woodward in Highland Park.
- In 1909 The nation’s first mile of concrete highway was built by the Wayne County Road Commission on Woodward Avenue between 6 Mile and 7 Mile road.
- Woodward Avenue made history again 10 years later when it became the first road to have a three-color traffic light installed in 1919.
More Fun Facts to Rev Up Your Next Trivia Night
- Flint was referred to as the “The Vehicle City” long before the Motor City and even before cars were on the road, Flint earned the nickname from its booming horse-drawn carriage production.
- Ford Motor Company introduced car payment plans in 1923 which allowed consumers to purchase a coupon book and make a payment of at least $5 per week.
- Clyde Barrow, the infamous bank robber from “Bonnie and Clyde,” wrote a letter to Henry Ford praising him for the great design of Ford vehicles due to their getaway capabilities.
- Michigan was the first state to complete a border-to-border interstate in 1960 (I-94 running 205 miles from Detroit to New Buffalo).
- M-185 on Mackinac Island is the only state highway in the nation where motor vehicles
are banned. - According to michigan.gov, there’s enough pavement in Michigan roadways to build a one-lane road from the earth to the moon.
- The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, MI was named the number one car museum in the world according to a new Auto Trader survey. The Henry Ford Museum and the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant were also high on the list.
About Michigan Mortgage Lender, Julie Krumholz from Superior National Bank
For over 35 years, Julie has helped homebuyers from all walks of life make the dream of homeownership a reality. Julie has worked in processing, closing and loan origination, underwriting, QC auditing and has even co-owned a mortgage brokerage firm. She uses her experience to match individuals with the best mortgage program possible and helps them navigate the homebuying process for a smooth transition into homeownership.