Scots in Michigan

Scots began settling in North America in the earliest colonial days. They were heavily involved in the Great Lakes region s major industries, as these evolved from fur trade to farming and lumbering to industry. From early settlement to the industrial revolution, Scots brought to the state a pioneer spirit and an extraordinary level of education. Though rendered almost invisible both by clustering under the umbrella of the British Commonwealth and by the fact that few Scottish traditions are considered whatsoever foreign, ethnic, or exotic, Scottish influences run deep in Michigan history and culture. From ice hockey to industry, much ofwhat represents Michigan has roots that wereembedded in Scotland. Although Alan T. Forresternotes that symbolic Scottish ethnicity Highland Games, Scottish Festivals, and Burns NightSuppers is practically the only obvious relic ofScottish heritage in Michigan, he illuminates howmuch more of this legacy is a part of this state."