The Roots of Michigan-Ohio Rivalry

Statehood was snagged on a bitter dispute about Michiganâ??s southern boundary. The question became hot after Ohio revived it in 1832 by deciding to create a city (now Toledo) at the mouth of the Maumee River in the "Toledo Strip." Both Michigan and Ohio called out the militia and issued thundering proclamations in the comic-opera "Toledo War." The country was amused, but the administration at Washington squirmed with embarrassment and hastily dispatched peace commissioners.  An act of Congress in 1836 admitted Michigan on condition that the Upper Peninsula be accepted instead of the "Toledo Strip," which would be awarded to Ohio. The administration of President Andrew Jackson could hardly risk offending the Buckeyes with a national election just around the corner! The Michigan Constitutional convention had tried to head off losing the "Toledo Strip" by publishing an appeal to the American people. But it was a losing battle, for Michigan could scarcely win against the dominant influence of the state of Ohio. Her claim was rejected, and the only consolation was the unwanted Upper Peninsula (which later, however, proved to be a bonanza of timber and iron ore).