Newspapers

The first newspaper in Michigan dates back to 1809, but it wasn't until later in the 19th century that newspaper publishing in Michigan flourished. Newspapers first appeared in Detroit and other southern Lower Peninsula cities. Newspapers reached the Upper Peninsula by 1846.

Early newspapers tended to concentrate on publishing national and international news due to the belief by many editors that local news was already known locally and did not need to be printed. Obituaries did, however, begin to appear in the latter part of the 19th century. In addition to obituaries, other items of genealogical interest in newspapers include marriage and death notices, social events, real estate transfers, "gossip" columns, lists of unclaimed letters at post offices, and election reports.

The Library of Michigan and other leading libraries in the state are involved in the Michigan Newspaper Project, an effort to proserve Michigan newspapers.

For more information about Michigan newspapers, see Chapter 4 of Michigan Genealogy.

A companion site for the book Michigan Genealogy.
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