Detroit is the largest city in Michigan state. In the 20th century, Detroit boomed with an industrial powerhouse and automobile industry. Its population grew immensely, and in 1910 it became the 9th largest city in the United States. The “Great Migration brought large numbers of black Southerners into Detroit. The black population multiplied from 5700 in 1910 to 40,800 in the 1920s. Some other industries, including metal crafts, railcars, stove works, paints, iron, brass, and copper, progressed by leaps and bounds. Henry Ford built an assembly line at his Highland Park Plant in 1910. Later that decade, when World War I broke out, Detroiters fought valiantly.
Here below are some stunning historical photos that show Detroit city in the early 20th century from 1900 to 1910.
I’m sure some of you may be picturing a perfect society, but let me assure you that there was some terrible stuff happening in that city during that time.
Although it was a stunning and prosperous city, it was not without its flaws, including significant racism. Additionally, the city was heavily controlled by the Big 3 car companies, which led to the construction of freeways that tore through the city.
Your timing’s a bit off. he Big 3 car companies did not exist in 1900, and while racism was still present, there were very few African Americans in the city at that time. The migration of African Americans to the city did not begin on a large scale until a decade later. The construction of freeways began during World War II to facilitate transportation of people and goods, and was further expanded during the Eisenhower administration in the 1950s.
The city had a history of discrimination, with Jews, Poles, Finns, and possibly Italians being the primary targets of hate.
And Greeks
Not exactly 1900. Im talking about the era before the 50’s
There were also organized crime groups such as the Purple Gang operating in the city at that time. Additionally, I’ve heard stories about the challenges that Italian immigrants faced, with limited opportunities for work leading some young men to consider joining the mob. All of this is to say that Detroit was not a particularly peaceful city during that time period.
The Purple Gang was a significant threat in Detroit during that era, with a reputation that bordered on the legendary. My father was raised in the city and often spoke about their notorious activities.
These photos are fantastic! I would be interested in seeing the “now” pictures as well.
I wish I could have lived during a time when things were simpler and more beautiful. If I had to choose, I would have loved to be in my 20s-40s during the 70s-90s.
The past was a great time to live if you were a white, Christian, Anglo-Saxon, male and wealthy. However, if you were poor, illiterate, non-Christian, Italian, Polish or Black, you would have had a difficult time. There was virtually no social safety net, except for some benevolent societies or extended families. Sanitation was in its early stages, and there was little regulation around food purity. Additionally, the coal smoke was suffocating and caused a lot of pollution.
Much simpler back in the 1900s when America was great for you and me brother
If you were lucky enough to avoid illness, military conscription, and discrimination based on your race, sexual orientation, gender, or financial status, life in the early 1900s may have seemed relatively simple and enjoyable. However, for many people, those challenges were very real and made life extremely difficult.
Yeah the 1920’s was shit. I wouldn’t want to be born before where I am now, which is 2001.
What exactly made the 1900s so great?
One thing that catches my attention when looking at these photos is the significant number of women who appear to be out and about without male escorts.
Detroit has had a tumultuous history with its mayors, with many criticized for mismanaging the city’s resources and leading to ongoing issues still faced today.
it is true that Detroit has had its share of problems with corrupt politicians and mismanagement over the years, it would be unfair to say that all of its mayors have been bad. Some mayors, such as Hazen S. Pingree, were known for their progressive policies and efforts to improve conditions for working-class residents. Other mayors, such as Coleman A. Young, faced criticism for their handling of issues such as crime and economic development, but were also praised for their efforts to address racial inequality and support the city’s African American community.
These pictures date back to the pre-World War I or World War II era, and also predate the existence of any significant car companies. The large influx of people from the South, who came to work in the war plants, didn’t happen until the 1920s. Therefore, claims that Detroit was racist during this time are not accurate, since the race issues had not yet arisen. The early workers in the factories were mostly European immigrants.