Here are 10 fun facts to help celebrate Greater Lansing on #517day
Editor's Note: This list originally appeared last summer in a poster series titled "Welcome to Lansing" — to see the original text in the posters, click here.
This 517 Day, Lansing State Journal staff want to help celebrate Greater Lansing by bringing you 10 interesting facts about the city and region.
See how many you knew and how many surprise you — then share them with your friends and neighbors to see how much they know about the region too.
Use hashtags #LoveLansing and #517day on social media to share your favorite facts about Greater Lansing. Let's count them down:
1. Lansing was not Michigan's first capital
When Michigan became a state on January 26, 1837, Detroit was the capital. In the 1840s, the state legislature opted to move the capital due to Detroit’s proximity to British troops in Canada, as well as a desire to advance exploration and development north and west.
2. The capital city was almost named El Dorado
Pewanogowink and Swedenborg were also considered, before the legislature settled on Lansing. The final choice was made to honor the settlers who came here from Lansing, New York, which was named for a Revolutionary war hero and delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
3. We started making cars in 1897
With the launch of the Olds Motor Vehicle Co. in August 1897 came the promise of jobs and population growth. Working for Olds, then Oldsmobile and now the General Motors Co. we know today provided generations with a living and livelihood right here in Greater Lansing.
4. Lansing residents' average age is 33
We are a young city! The average age of Lansing residents is 33 years old (rounded up) and around 10,000 kids attend elementary, middle and high schools in the city — at some of the most diverse schools in the region.
READ MORE: For Downtown Lansing to survive and thrive, it takes all of us working together
5. We've got food from around the world
Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, French, Thai, Ethiopian, Peruvian, Korean, Turkish and Jamaican cuisine can all be found here. Perhaps due to Michigan State’s large international student population or regional refugee resettlement programs, Greater Lansing is filled with diverse cuisine.
6. Famous civil rights leaders walked here
Lansing has played host to a variety of civil rights efforts — and successes — throughout the 1900s: From various suffragette marches in the early 1900s to meetings and rallies held in the name of equality by Malcolm X, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar Chavez in the 1950s and '60s.
7. Magic Johnson helped make the Lansing Promise
Thanks to $1 million raised by founders in 2015, and ongoing efforts by people from all walks of life, all Lansing students are provided with financial assistance for up to two years of coursework at Lansing Community College, MSU or Olivet College. Over 1,000 students have received support so far.
8. There is so much to do here
Despite what critics say, there is always something going on in the 517: Live music, shopping, restaurants and events are all growing parts of the landscape here. Need suggestions? Check out Concerts in the Park, Downtown Lansing Inc., Lansing 5:01, the Lansing Lugnuts, Potter Park Zoo, RiverTown Adventures, The Avenue Cafe, UrbanBeat — and many, many more.
RELATED: Greater Lansing patios that are definitely worth checking out
9. We're all about the arts and local artists
The people of Greater Lansing love the arts. What’s more, we love our local artists. Just ask the Artist’s Umbrella, Poetry Room, All of the Above Hip Hop Academy, Riverwalk Theatre, Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center, MSU Broad Art Museum, Nelson Gallery, Lansing Symphony Orchestra and Wharton Center for Performing Arts (among many others).
10. Our iconic smokestacks have names
In 1885, the people of Lansing issued a bond to form their own public utility: The Lansing Board of Water and Light. The three iconic smokestacks of the Eckert Power Plant near REO Town provide not only an iconic backdrop but also a reminder of this history — and their names are Wynken, Blynken and Nod.
Tell us your favorite factoids
Whether you're new in town or a longtime Lansing resident, we want to hear from you: What are your favorite fun facts? Share your thoughts on our social media or by emailing opinions@lsj.com.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: 517 Day is May 17, here are fun facts to celebrate Greater Lansing
