The History of Genesee, MI, Ch. 1, A Period of Rapid Growth

A PERIOD OF RAPID GROWTH.

The six remaining years of the territorial period, after Cass's entrance into Jackson's cabinet, were years of unprecedented growth in Michigan's population and general development. In 1823 the question of statehood began to be agitated, but untoward events drew away attention for the moment. The western Indians had risen under Black Hawk, and spread terror even into Michigan. The same year an epidemic of Asiatic cholera broke out, the ravages of which were so severe as nearly to paralyze all activities. A second attack occurred in 1834, which carried away Governor Porter, the successor of Cass. Meanwhile a negro riot in Detroit, due to an attempt to return two fugitive slaves to their Southern masters, broke out in 1833, and threatened to assume alarming proportions.

In 1853, with the tremendous impulse given to immigration by the renewed interest in Michigan lands, a decisive step in advance was taken. The territorial census of the preceding year showed a population of 87,278, nearly thirty thousand more people than were required under the Ordinance of 1787 of admission to the Union. In April of that year members to a constitutional convention were elected, who, in May, met at Detroit and adopted a constitution, which was approved by the people at an election in October.