DiscoverOn HandWhy do we call ourselves Michiganders?
Why do we call ourselves Michiganders?

Why do we call ourselves Michiganders?

Update: 2025-09-05
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Poll after poll shows folks in Michigan prefer to call themselves "Michiganders" rather than "Michiganian". Why, though? Why did we start calling ourselves something so strange? Are we just a bunch of Michi-geese? It all started with a slave-holding senator, his run for president, and a run-in with Abraham Lincoln.

We've got the goods answering all your burning Michigan questions, beginning with our statewide identity. 

GUEST: Jamon Jordan, official historian, City of Detroit

Now we want to hear from you!

Do you hate being called a Michigander and prefer Michiganian? Tell us about it!

What questions do you have about Michigan? We'll investigate! Submit them here.

Or drop us a voicemail, if picking up a phone doesn't freak you out: 734-647-7840

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Why do we call ourselves Michiganders?

Why do we call ourselves Michiganders?

Michigan Public