This date in Michigan History

January 18, 1802

Detroit is incorporated as a town.

The act provided for a slate of municipal officers that included a five-member board of trustees, a secretary, an assessor, a tax collector and a marshal. The trustees were authorized to take whatever action necessary for the health and welfare of the inhabitants. The board's first act was to adopt a code of fire regulations for the town, whose population numbered about 500 people. At the time, Detroit had 300 buildings.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.

This date in Michigan History