Issue No. 40

Welcome Home, {{first_name|default:Michigander}}!

⚔️ 1/4 of Michigan Men Fought for the Union

Bonus: While sending nearly a quarter of the state's total male population to war is staggering, the numbers become truly mind-boggling when you break them down.

Out of an estimated 750,000 total residents in 1860, roughly 395,000 were male, 180,000 were of military age (18-45), and just 110,000 were officially certified as medically fit and non-exempt.

By mobilizing over 90,000 soldiers, Michigan reached an astonishing 83% of that final pool.

❄️ World's 1st Factory Air Conditioned Car

Digest Exclusive: Packard only sold about 2,000 of these systems before discontinuing them in 1941 due to high costs and mechanical issues.

Standardized Factory A/C didn't achieve market dominance until 1969, with 54% of all domestic vehicles manufactured with A/C.

🥣 Mabel Holmes Invents Jiffy Mix

Digest Exclusive: Today, "JIFFY" is the market share leader in retail prepared muffin mixes, with a goal of feeding America, especially during difficult economic times.

To help with this effort and keep costs low, "JIFFY" manufactures its own packaging boxes on-site!

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“Thank God for Michigan”
— Jackson from Instagram and James from Facebook

Context: When the 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry arrived in Washington, D.C., in May 1861, they were the first western regiment to reach the capital in response to President Lincoln's urgent call for help to save the Union.

Overjoyed by their swift mobilization, Lincoln is said to have exclaimed, "Thank God for Michigan!"—though historians note the famous line remains unverified by contemporary 1861 records.

Born in Petersham, Massachusetts, on June 13, 1792, inventor, legislator, and surveyor William Austin Burt permanently transformed the Great Lakes' industrial landscape.

In 1844, Burt discovered the Marquette Iron Range when massive magnetic anomalies caused his team's standard compasses to fluctuate wildly—interference they successfully navigated using his patented solar compass.

This discovery supplied the iron ore that fueled America's Industrial Revolution, necessitated the Sault Ste. Marie Canal, and established the foundation for Michigan's manufacturing infrastructure and geographic boundaries.

Fun Fact: Burt Lake and Burt Township, in Cheboygan County, are named for him.

Created by Detroit pharmacist James Vernor in 1866, America's oldest surviving soda brand celebrates its 160th anniversary at the historic Eastern Market on Sunday, June 14.

Visitors to the daylong street festival step into history by exploring pop-up archive stations, viewing vintage advertising displays, and meeting descendant James Vernor V. The experience culminates in savoring exclusive treats like Vernor’s floats and Vernor’s ice cream before joining a massive street-wide toast at 3:30 p.m.

Learn more about the historic celebration at the Eastern Market Events Page.

This week showcased how Michigan has long been committed to fighting for freedom, driving innovation, and simply making life better.

The staggering response to Lincoln’s call for troops always astounds me. Knowing that a quarter of Michigan's men stepped up—including some of my ancestors—fills me with incredible pride.

It took an immense amount of bravery to build the foundation for the lives we enjoy today. From the battlefield to the science lab and the kitchen, Michigan has always persevered.

Speaking of legendary Michigan creations, if you’re looking to brush up on your Vernor’s history before its 160th anniversary, you’re in luck. Here is a link to a video we published in March of this year!

Until next week, thank you for reading Michigan History Digest.
— Zac and the Welcome Home History Team.

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