Lansing Michigan History

One of the oldest enduring operating farmers markets in the United States is in the historic City Market in Lansing. The city has two downtowns: the downtown business and government, along with the Michigan State Capitol and historic Lansing Old Town. The historical buildings date back to the mid-1800s. Just south of downtown, was the birthplace of the automobile in the United States.

As Oldsmobile and Michigan's automotive center, Lansing offers travelers a number of car-related sites that include plant tours and automobile museums. The award-winning State Capitol Building was restored in 1992. The impressive glass-floor rotunda and acres of decorative hand painted surfaces are a reminder of Lansing's past and the captivating designs are a delight to embrace.

The city grew after it was made state capital in 1847. Industrial development came with the railroads in the 1870s, and the automobile industry in 1897.