Scots in Michigan

by Alan T. Forrester

Overview

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 of what represents Michigan has roots that were embedded in Scotland. Although Alan T. Forrester notes that symbolic Scottish ethnicity—Highland Games, Scottish Festivals, and Burns Night Suppers—is practically the only obvious relic of Scottish heritage in Michigan, he illuminates how much more of this legacy is a part of this state.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780870136894
Publisher:	Michigan State University Press
Publication date:	12/31/2003
Series:	Discovering the Peoples of Michigan
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	87
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Alan T. Forrester was born in Saskatchewan of Scottish and English grandparents. He has earned two degrees from the University of Washington and served in the U.S. Army Medical Service.

Table of Contents

Contents Introduction The Homeland Michigan's First Scots Michigan's Rural Scots Michigan's Urban Scots Seeking the Scots What Is a Scottish Immigrant? Scotch, Irish, or Scotch Irish? The Invisible Immigrants Where Are Michigan's Invisible Immigrants? The Michigan-Canadian Connection The Scottish Cultural Influence in Michigan Here's Tae Us Scots and “The Kirk”Who Are Thy People? SIDEBARSTracing Scottish Ancestry Some Scottish Proverbs The Covenanters' Grace APPENDICESAppendix 1. Scottish Food Appendix 2. A Scottish Immigrant to Michigan Reminisces Notes For Further Reference Index