Michigan's journey to statehood was marked by significant political and territorial disputes, most notably the Toledo War with Ohio. This conflict arose over a strip of land that both states claimed, which led to tensions in the 1830s. Governor Stevens T. Mason, a young and dynamic leader, advocated for Michigan's inclusion in the Union amidst these disputes. The state constitution had already been established in 1835, facilitating the process for statehood. With its admission, Michigan not only expanded the United States but also increased the representation of northern states in Congress at a time when the balance of power between free and slave states was becoming a pressing national issue.

The official admission of Michigan occurred after Congress approved the statehood act on January 15, 1837. On January 26, 1837, a formal ceremony marked Michigan's entry into the Union. The transition was celebrated widely, as state officials and citizens alike embraced their new status. The events leaping beyond statehood included an influx of settlers, aided by the state's abundant natural resources and growing industry. As a state, Michigan would later become known for its pivotal role in the automobile industry and its extensive Great Lakes waterways, establishing it as a key player in America's economic development.