Hmhm, the capital of Michigan, not in Lansing.

It's always been there, hasn't it?

Oh, hi.

I'm Mrs.. And today we're going to learn about how Michigan state capital ended up in Lansing and where it was located before Lansing Detroit.

Then we'll take what we learned and write an opinion letter.

An opinion letter gives thoughts about why something is a good or bad idea.

Before we get started with the history lesson.

Let's look at the word capital.

Well, it's spelled with an A.

It means a few different things.

But today the meaning we're going to discuss is connected to the seat of government.

The seat of government is the main place where leaders of a country, state or city work and make important decisions.

Now let's look at the word capital spelled with an O.

This spelling means the actual building that holds our government.

And Michigan's Capitol building is beautiful.

Once Michigan became a state on January 26th, 1837, people thought Detroit would be a good idea.

But why?

The reasons Detroit seemed like a good choice.

It was next to the Detroit River, so getting to the Great Lakes was pretty easy.

It was close to Canada, so businesses could quickly get things across the border for trade.

The land in Detroit was cheap and easy to acquire for farming, housing and businesses.

Even with all of these reasons to have Detroit as a capital, in 1848, the decision was made to move it.

Legislators are the people who make laws.

Again, had to make a choice of where the capital should be.

Some of the suggestions at the time were Ann Arbor, Jackson, Grand Rapids, Shiawassee Township, and Marshall.

Lansing Township was not even on the list in the beginning for how the capital went up there.

The proposed rule to make Lansing Township the capital was made by State Senator Joseph H. Kilbourne of Meridian Township in Ingham County.

It was a compromise to end any more disagreements about where the new capital should be.

A compromise is when both sides give up something so they can settle a disagreement.

Since Lansing Township wasn't too far north to say south, too far west or eastern Michigan, but instead in the middle, it seemed like a good compromise.

Eventually, the House and Senate approved the proposal to have Lansing Township become the new capital.

It then became named the Town of Michigan before finally became the City of Lansing, which is still its name today.

Now, let's go back in time a bit and imagine we are a state legislator that supports Senator Cuban's idea of moving the capital from Detroit to Lansing by seeing history through the point of view of someone living during that time.

We will better understand the events.

The purpose of writing a letter to the legislature is to share our opinion.

In Lansing Township should become the capital.

So now we have a purpose and an audience.

Let's get started.

Michigan Legislature one Capital Square.

Detroit, Michigan, July 19th, 1842.

Dear legislature.

I understand that there is discussion about moving the capital of our state away from Detroit.

I agree with this idea and want to share information about why Lansing Township is a good location.

Let me tell you more.

When Detroit was chosen as a location for our first capital, it seemed ideal.

However, the reasons why Detroit was originally chosen is that capital are the same reasons why Detroit is no longer a good idea.

Although situated on the Detroit River, it's giving easy access to our Great Lakes in Canada.

Detroit is, in fact too close to Canada, making it an easy target for the British.

Who are there.

Detroit is also two Far East and Michigan, making it very difficult to get to for those living in the North or the West.

We need our residents to be able to get to our capital easily, since it is the center of our state government.

And when I think of the center of our state, I think of Lansing Township.

There is no better place to have the center of our government, our capital located Lansing Township, is easy to get to from anywhere in the Lower Peninsula.

It's away from any of the borders, so a threat of conflict with other countries would be minimal.

Lansing Township has natural waterway like rivers that can be accessed from other areas in Michigan.

I urge you to join me in support of moving the capital to Lansing Township.

Our capital will bring visitors and businesses to the middle of the state.

It's a very safe location and is easy to get to from all areas of our state, and has waterways to support trade.

Please support me as I support Lansing Township as a new capital.

Your fellow legislator.

Miss LaDonna Nass and the read write and war learners.

That's you.

Whom do you think our letter supports?

Our opinion.

Well, if you were a legislator, would you be persuaded to share my opinion with something you have a very strong opinion about?

Do some research and plan out the important points you will share to better inform others.

Good luck.