How did Michigan's capital city become the capital?

Answer 1

In 1836 the settlement of Lansing Michigan had fewer than 20 people, and would remain dormant until the winter of 1847 when the state constitution required that the capital be moved from Detroit to a more central and safer location in the interior of the state; many were concerned about Detroit's proximity to British-controlled Canada, which had captured Detroit in the War of 1812.

The United States had recaptured the Detroit in 1813, but these events led to the dire need to have the center of government relocated away from hostile British territory.

There was also concern with Detroit's strong influence over Michigan politics, being the largest city in the state as well as the capital city.

In the Michigan House of Representatives during a multi-day session to determine a new location for the state capital, many cities, including Ann Arbor, Marshall, and Jackson, lobbied hard to win this designation. Unable to publicly reach a consensus because of constant political wrangling, the House of Representatives privately chose the Township of Lansing out of frustration.

When announced, many present openly laughed that such an insignificant settlement was now the capital city of Michigan.

Two months later, Governor William L. Greenly signed into law the act of the legislature officially making Lansing Township the state capital.