Detroit has long been known as the “Motor City,” because it is historically recognized as the city for mass production of automotives. All three big car manufacturers, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler all call Detroit home. But us Detroiters already knew this, we were practically born learning about cars. However, did you know these other rather fascinating facts about the city?
- Forget about Central Park, Belle Isle is where it’s at.
Elizabeth/Flickr Belle Isle opened in 1884, and is the largest island park in the United States. Belle Isle is home to an aquarium, conservatory and nature zoo.
- The first mile of concrete was paved in Detroit.
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr Detroit was the first city in the United States to pave a road making it easier for cars to travel from place to place. The first mile of concrete is located at Woodward Avenue between 6 Mile and 7 Mile roads in Detroit.
- Prohibition in Detroit.
Yaniv Ben-Arie/Flickr During Prohibition in the 1920s, Detroit was an ideal place to smuggle and hide liquor. With its close proximity to Canada, taking the highway from Detroit was a piece of cake. The city was actually responsible for smuggling the most alcohol in the United States.
- Detroit is home to the oldest surviving ginger ale brand in the U.S.
Derek Bruff/Flickr Drinking Vernors is definitely a Michigan thing, and people outside of the state should be jealous they can’t get ahold of the refreshing soft drink. Created in 1866 by James Vernor, a Detroit pharmacist, it is a staple in Michigan.
- Detroit is the birthplace of Motown and Techno!
mompl/Flickr A man named Berry Gordy created Motown in the late ’50s. Popular motown musicians include Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Mary Wells. The city has always been known for its music, so it’s no surprise that techno also originated in Detroit in the ’80s.
- Detroit has an awesome Theatre District.
M Canzi/Flickr Detroit has the second largest theatre district in the U.S. New York comes in first. Fox Theatre in the downtown area is the largest surviving movie palace of the 1920s.
- Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” actually had its first debut in Detroit.
Alan Kotok/Flickr Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech was delievered during the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. However, some of the speech is familiar to his speech in Detroit during the city’s Walk to Freedom in June of 1963.
- Salt mines underneath Detroit?
Maia C/Flickr Underneath your feet, almost 1,200 feet underground, lies the Detroit Salt Mine. An area of more than 1,500 acres, the salt mine is older than automobiles and contains salt deposits older than the dinosaurs! Public tours of the mine are available!
- Bowling Fever!
hherbzilla/Flickr Detroit has more registered bowlers than any other city. On any given day it’s safe to assume there are more balls being carefully tossed down alleys in Detroit than anywhere else in the country.
- There are more than 136 bars and restaurants in Downtown Detroit.
Ian Freimuth/Flickr Detroit never stops growing! There are always new bars and restaurants opening their doors in the Detroit area.
Where you surprised by any of these fun facts about Detroit? Check out these hidden gems in the city that you must see before you die!
Elizabeth/Flickr
Belle Isle opened in 1884, and is the largest island park in the United States. Belle Isle is home to an aquarium, conservatory and nature zoo.
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
Detroit was the first city in the United States to pave a road making it easier for cars to travel from place to place. The first mile of concrete is located at Woodward Avenue between 6 Mile and 7 Mile roads in Detroit.
Yaniv Ben-Arie/Flickr
During Prohibition in the 1920s, Detroit was an ideal place to smuggle and hide liquor. With its close proximity to Canada, taking the highway from Detroit was a piece of cake. The city was actually responsible for smuggling the most alcohol in the United States.
Derek Bruff/Flickr
Drinking Vernors is definitely a Michigan thing, and people outside of the state should be jealous they can’t get ahold of the refreshing soft drink. Created in 1866 by James Vernor, a Detroit pharmacist, it is a staple in Michigan.
mompl/Flickr
A man named Berry Gordy created Motown in the late ’50s. Popular motown musicians include Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Mary Wells. The city has always been known for its music, so it’s no surprise that techno also originated in Detroit in the ’80s.
M Canzi/Flickr
Detroit has the second largest theatre district in the U.S. New York comes in first. Fox Theatre in the downtown area is the largest surviving movie palace of the 1920s.
Alan Kotok/Flickr
Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech was delievered during the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. However, some of the speech is familiar to his speech in Detroit during the city’s Walk to Freedom in June of 1963.
Maia C/Flickr
Underneath your feet, almost 1,200 feet underground, lies the Detroit Salt Mine. An area of more than 1,500 acres, the salt mine is older than automobiles and contains salt deposits older than the dinosaurs! Public tours of the mine are available!
hherbzilla/Flickr
Detroit has more registered bowlers than any other city. On any given day it’s safe to assume there are more balls being carefully tossed down alleys in Detroit than anywhere else in the country.
Ian Freimuth/Flickr
Detroit never stops growing! There are always new bars and restaurants opening their doors in the Detroit area.
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