Abraham Lincoln in Michigan

[LincolnMan]

Lincoln had been to Kalamazoo, Michigan for the famous "under the oaks" event that is considered the birth of the Republican Party. He also was on a ship with Mary Lincoln- that traveled the Detroit River. The occupants of the vessel could have viewed downtown Detroit standing on it's deck. However, Lincoln did not step foot in Detroit, itself. Still, the river was considered to be on the Michigan side of territory. There is a third documented "visit" of Lincoln to Michigan- which occurred before these two- as a young soldier in the Black Hawk War. During Lincoln's third enlistment of military service. His unit- the "Spy Corp."- ventured into Michigan Territory. The only catch was- that area later became part of Wisconsin. Even so, it was Michigan Territory then! I'm somewhat surprised Lincoln never made it to Detroit. But then again, Lincoln did not get the majority vote there in 1864.

[RJNorton]

There is a third documented "visit" of Lincoln to Michigan- which occurred before these two- as a young soldier in the Black Hawk War.

Bill, here is a little in formation from Lincoln Day By Day (including coming back to Illinois):

During the afternoon of July 1, 1832, Lincoln crossed into Wisconsin at Turtle Village (where Beloit now stands). Camp was made on the plain between Rock River and the creek. On July 2 the troops camped opposite the mouth of the Yahara River. On July 3 the troops marched to a point 1 and 1/2 miles south of Lake Koshkonong. The men stayed there until July 6. On July 6 the troops marched up the east bank of the Rock River, and made camp about 4 or 5 miles above mouth of White Water at an old Indian village. On July 10, due to lack of provisions, volunteer troops are dispersed. Lincoln himself wrote the mustering-out roll. The men were all honorably discharged. Lincoln begins a march to Dixon's Ferry. Lincoln's horse is stolen. Camp is made near mouth of White Water. From July 11-14 the 200 mile trip to Peoria is made by way of Dixon's Ferry. Lincoln's company breaks up at Peoria on July 14. Lincoln and another man purchased a canoe and started down the Illinois River. A stop is made at Pekin. Havana is reached on July 17. The canoe is sold in Havana and Lincoln starts for New Salem on foot. As soon as he reached New Salem Lincoln began his campaign for the state legislature and began giving campaign speeches in towns like Pappsville, 11 miles west of Springfield. On August 6 Lincoln lost the election.

[LincolnMan]

That's great information Roger. It just amazes me how Lincoln and others of his era got around- sometimes walking great distances. No wonder Lincoln was do thin.

[LincolnMan]

A very visible reminder of Lincoln's involvement in Michigan are the remnants of canals throughout the area. The canals were an effort Lincoln endorsed but ultimately ended for lack of funding.

[RJNorton]

that traveled the Detroit River. The occupants of the vessel could have viewed downtown Detroit standing on it's deck. However, Lincoln did not step foot in Detroit, itself. Still, the river was considered to be on the Michigan side of territory.

Bill, in Following in Lincoln's Footsteps, author Ralph Gary writes, "At some point, probably on the Detroit River, he (Lincoln) saw a steamer piled up on an island or, according to another story, maybe his boat got stuck on a sandbar in Lake Erie. Lincoln got the idea for "expandsible buoyant chambers placed at the sides" that would ease itself off a bar." This was the idea that he patented the next year (1849).

[LincolnMan]

I seem to recall somewhere reading that the vessel Lincoln saw was stuck off of Fighting Island- which is in the Detroit River. I have also heard that Lincoln's idea for his invention originated with his episode on the Sangamon River regarding a craft he helped set free.

[RJNorton]

I have also heard that Lincoln's idea for his invention originated with his episode on the Sangamon River regarding a craft he helped set free.

That's what I thought (and had previously read), too. I think author Ralph Gary was probably thinking from a chronological standpoint - Lincoln saw the stuck steamer in 1848 and got the patent in 1849.

[LincolnMan]

Looking at what used to be Michigan Territory in the early 1800's, it looks like it contained the whole area of what would become Wisconsin.

[LincolnMan]

One of these days I'll get over to Kalamazoo to the spot where Lincoln was "under the oak." There is a marker there commemorating what happened there.

[RJNorton]

Bill, here is what to look for:

Also, you might be interested in this page.

[LincolnMan]

Roger, thank you for doing this. The picture is perfect- and the story wonderful. It was interesting to read what those in Europe think of Lincoln.