Michigan

 **Michigan** by: A.J. Nasharr



Michigan's nickname is **The Wolverine State**, even though barely any wolverines ever lived there.

Michigan is the 22nd largest state in the U.S. If you include all then water, then it would be the 11th largest state. Michigan is fifty six thousand eight hundred nine (56,809 ) square miles of land, witch includes two large peninsulas. one shaped like a giant mitten and the other is just a random shape. Michigan touches 4 of the 5 Great Lakes. No place in Michigan is more than 85 miles away from a natural water source.
 * Geography**

Michigan is very snowy during the winter due to lake effect. Its more snowy in the north and on the west coast than in the south, but the south is colder.
 * Climate and region**

Michigan has about 56,809 sq. miles of land. It is the 22nd largest state in America. If you counted the water in Michigan's "property" it would be the 11th largest state in America. Michigan's population is about nine million nine hundred sixty nine thousand seven hundred twenty seven people ( 9,969,727 ). Michigan has rural, urban, and suburban areas.
 * State facts**

**Natural resources** Michigan touches ( of course ) Lake Michigan, and three other "Great Lakes". Michigan has a large supply of iron, a good thing for Detroit or shall I say... Motor City! Michigan also has very rich soil, perfect for farming and for live stock. Michigan ( As I' ve said a million times) touches 4 of the 5 Great Lakes, and is a perfect fishing spot. Michigan has plenty of forests, a great place for lumber and hunting grounds.

Michigan has lots of iron, so it produces thousands of cars each year. Since Michigan has lots of forests it probably can produce lots of paper and lumber. Michigan has lots of incredibly rich soil to create crops of all kinds. Michigan produces thousands of pounds of : corn, cherries, and its famous Michigan apples.
 * Industry and crops**

Michigan State Governor: Rick Snyder Michigan State Capital: Lansing U.S. Senators: ( Democrat) Carl Levin and ( Democrat) Debbie Stabenow U.S. Representatives:........... 15 Democrats:............. 6 Republicans:........... 9 State Senators:.................... 38 State Representatives:........ 110 Counties in Michigan:........... 83
 * Government**

The first inhabitants of Michigan were ( of course ) the Native Americans. The Ojibwa and Ottawa occupied Northern Michigan while the Potawatomi occupied Central and part of Southern Michigan, the Miami tribe occupied most of Southern Michigan. By now there are eleven (11) Native American tribe in Michigan witch are all descendants of the ones listed above. The first explorers to arrive in Michigan were Europeans. They came around 1630-40. The first settlers in Michigan were Europeans. Michigan became a state in 1837 when it was believed that the population in Michigan was enough to consider it a state.
 * History and Native Americans**

Michigan state bird:................... American Robin Michigan state flower:.................. Apple blossom Michigan state tree:.......................... White Pine Michigan state reptile:................... Painted Turtle Michigan state Nickname:...... The wolverine state
 * State symbols**


 * Fun Recipe: Cornish Pasties**


 * Ingredients:**

2 cups of diced potatoes 1 large diced onion 1 cup of diced rutabaga 1/2 cup of diced carrot 1 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/2 teaspoon of pepper 1 1/2 pound of coarsely ground lean beef 1 pound of shortening 6 cups of flower 1 tablespoon of salt ungreased cookie sheets


 * Directions for recipe**


 * 1.** In a large bowl, mix all filling ingredients and set aside


 * 2.** In a medium bowl, mix flower and salt. then cut shortening until crumbly


 * 3.** Divide dough into 6 equal rounds and roll out flat. Then place 1/6 of the filling in the middle of each crust. Fold over and crimp edges.


 * 4.** Place the "Pasties" on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour and fifteen minutes


 * 5.** Enjoy the **PASTIES!!!**