Prior to passing of Congressional funding secured by Michigan's 3rd elected Territorial Delegate to Congress, journey into the inland wilderness was near impossible.  With the survey and development of the Territorial Roads across lower and central Michigan, it opened up pioneer expansion into the newly organized lower counties.  This is the story of these vital roads that made Southwest Michigan settlement possible.

To watch my YouTube video: Tracking the Territorial Road - The Original Pioneer Trail - Battle Creek, Michigan

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This episode takes a journey from when Michigan was deparated from the Indiana Territory and became the Michigan Territory, and the path to statehood.  It is a shortened version of a longer episode to come later.  It covers the actions of the early Governors William Hull and Lewis Cass.  

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The city of Battle Creek was founded by Sands McCamly and other pioneer industrialists.  When McCamly arrived into the wilderness region of present day Battle Creek in Calhoun County in 1831, he saw the potential of the confluence of two rivers at different elevations, envisioning a mill race between them.  This started his journey to acquire the land, which through delays and challenges he eventually accomplished 4 years later.  The Mill Race was finally constructed in 1835, and it marked the beginning of the city known today as Battle Creek.  His establishment of a productive milling community made it possible for the cereal industry to evolve many decades later.

To watch my video on Youtube The Founding of a City: Sands McCamly Built a Canal

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