How Detroit Got Its Nickname: Motor City
Many know that Detroit’s nickname, Motor City (or Motown), stems from the early 20th century, when it was the global center of the automotive industry. But how did this Midwestern city capitalize on one of the greatest inventions of the time to the extent that it became the Motor City?
The auto industry flourished in Michigan for a number of reasons, but one of the simplest explanations is that key innovators just happened to live there: Henry Ford was born on a farm in nearby Greenfield Township, and Ransom Olds settled in Lansing from 1889. These two would go on to be two of the most important pioneers in the industry by the turn of the 20th century.
Detroit’s well-connected position between the east coast and Chicago and abundant natural resources made it a good location for manufacturing. With that in place, Ford and Olds had everything they needed to set up their businesses close to home.
Perhaps another big reason for the boom was Olds’s decision to outsource the manufacturing of parts for his Oldsmobile, which meant a wide range of companies and individuals were exposed to the growing industry and developed their own skills and knowledge. Notable suppliers include Henry Leland, who supplied engines to Olds and went on to found Cadillac and Lincoln; Benjamin Briscoe, who later helped to launch Buick; and the Dodge Brothers, who were also initial investors in Ford before starting their own company in 1915.
Olds’s invention of the assembly line and Ford’s creation of the first conveyor belt-based assembly line in 1913 enabled mass production on a scale other cities couldn’t match, and the money generated by this innovation was invested heavily in research and development, enabling the whole city to pull ahead of its rivals. Detroit became the best place to start a car company because of a skilled workforce, an established supply chain, and a large customer base. Once the industry began to flourish with multiple auto companies, specialists moved to the area from other cities, strengthening Detroit’s businesses and weakening rival cities at the same time.
By 1924, the three biggest car companies that dominated the field—General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler—were all based in the Detroit area. By 1950, the auto industry had 296,000 manufacturing jobs in Detroit, and the name Motor City was in wide use, furthered by the popularity of Motown Records in the 1960s.
With the big three still headquartered in Metro Detroit today, it seems Detroit will go on being the Motor City for the foreseeable future.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
