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by Lucinda Davis

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Detroit has made several contributions to society with probably the most significant being the automobile and Motown's music. If you are planning on visiting Detroit the first historical site on your list should be the Motown Historical Museum. You will follow the journey of Berry Gordy Jr and many other famous recording artists as you visit this site. The exhibit displays costumes, photos, and much more. You can walk in the footsteps of great artists who have impacted music around the world.

Next on your visit you will want to stop at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. Here you can learn the history of the automobile and see items on display such as the steam engine, several automobiles and even the bus in which Rosa Parks is famous for. Ford named this historical complex the Edison Institute after Thomas Edison who inspired him. Then when you are finished there be sure to stop by the Edsel and Elenor Ford House. Edsel being the only son of Henry Ford and became vice president at the Ford Company. In this mansion you'll see 60 rooms filled with beautiful antiques and masterpieces.

Greektown historic district was nearly lost during the 1960's. This small area displays a Victorian time. If you visit at the right time you can participate in their traditional Greek festival and join the celebration. You will find coffee shops, restaurants and other small attractive shops.

Fox Theater built in 1928 has seen many great performances over time. You will enjoy taking in the magnificient architechture that surrounds you. Tiger Stadium once filled with thousands of screaming fans is currently under demolition. Stop here if you'd like to see where Ty Cobb once played. Efforts are being made to save Tiger Stadium before it just becomes a memory just like Detroit's capital building. Yes, Detroit was the capital of Michigan in 1837. All that remains is Capitol Park a small triangle of land in the historic district.
Detroit also has a darker past which includes the Detroit riot of 1967. We've all seen the old news footage on television. This riot began at the corner of 12th street and Clairmount Avenue. It was sparked by a police raid on an illegal drinking club. The police attempted to arrest 82 people who were celebrating the coming home of a couple of Vietnam vets. As much attention as this riot received it was not the bloodiest day in Detroit's history. That title goes to the race riots of 1863.

Also another interesting piece of information about Detroit is it's ties to Saddam Hussein the Iraqi dictator. In the late 70's early 80's Saddam made some large financial contributions to the Chaldean Sacred Heart church.

Before you leave Detroit be sure to visit the Detroit Naval Academy. At this historical site Joe Louis had his first fight . There are many other historical sites in Detroit including Belle Isle. If you visit Belle Isle be sure to see the aquarium and horticulture building.

Detroit has made history countless times and you could spend months visiting all of the historical sites. These are only some highlights of places to visit.

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