In response to ongoing conflicts over territory known as the Toledo War between Michigan and Ohio, the 'Frostbitten Convention' convened in December to make a crucial decision regarding Michigan's statehood. Held on December 14, 1836, in a makeshift assembly amidst frigid weather conditions, delegates from across Michigan gathered in Detroit, facing both physical discomfort and political pressure. The convention's name reflects the harsh winter conditions that marked its proceedings, emphasizing the resilience of the participating individuals.

During this assembly, delegates debated the terms set forth by Congress, which included ceding the contentious Toledo Strip to Ohio in exchange for a larger portion of land in the Upper Peninsula for Michigan. This compromise ultimately aimed to resolve the violent disputes that had arisen since the 1835 declaration of a separate Michigan state government. By adopting Congress's terms, delegates sought to ensure Michigan's admission as the 26th state in the Union, thus consolidating its territorial claims and providing a path for future growth and development.

After fruitful deliberation, the convention voted favorably to accept the provisions laid out by Congress, leading to Michigan's eventual statehood. This decision marked an end to the Toledo War and was pivotal in defining Michigan's borders and political future. The convention also underscored the importance of compromise in American politics at the time, setting a precedent for future negotiations over territorial disputes.