Detroit

Detroit is a city in Michigan situated along the Detroit River, forming a border with Canada and connected by bridge and tunnel crossings. Downtown rises with several towers and cultural buildings, while surrounding neighborhoods spread across a wide area of lower residential streets and industrial zones.

Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founded a trading post here in 1701 to connect the waterways between Lake Erie and Lake Huron. The site later grew into a center for automobile production when several factory owners built their plants here in the early 20th century.

Every Wednesday at the Eastern Market, vendors set up early to sell flowers, produce, and handmade goods directly from growers and makers throughout the region. On weekends, locals gather in riverfront parks to grill, fish, and picnic, while families walk along the public promenades that stretch for miles.

An elevated rail loop called the People Mover runs through downtown and stops near major buildings and venues along its route. Most museums and theaters are within walking distance of each other, clustered in several blocks from the riverfront.

The Guardian Building downtown displays painted ceilings and colored brick in Art Deco style, which is rare for office buildings. Original mailboxes and bank tellers from the late 1920s still stand in the basement, and visitors can see them during guided tours.

Location: Wayne County

Inception: 1701

Founders: Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac

Elevation above the sea: 183 m

Part of: Rust Belt

Shares border with: Windsor, Dearborn

Website: https://detroitmi.gov

GPS coordinates: 42.33167,-83.04750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:35