Detroit By Night
Before Detroit
The French Fur Trading Empire
Although Detroit didn’t become one of he country’s largest cities until the 20th century, its history spans
more than three centuries. Founded in 1701, its strategic location at a narrow point along the Detroit
river (Detroit means ‘the straits’ in French) made the fort town a keenly fought-over prize. Five times
it changed sovereignty. Twice it was under Indian siege. Twice it surrendered to invading armies.
In 1805 most of Detroit burned to the ground after the wind took hold of a spark from a baker’s pipe.
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