Few realize that Detroit is one of the Midwest's oldest cities. Founded in 1701 as "la Ville d'Etroit"---the city at the straits---it was once a strategic Native American and French trading post. In the mid-19th century the city was likened to Paris because of its scenic parks and beautiful architecture, but soon evolved into the modern Motor City, the city that put the world on wheels.

With the growth of the auto industry, Detroit and its suburbs spread out across an ever-larger geographical area, eventually becoming one of the country's largest cities. While Motown and Motor City are the nicknames that stick in people's minds, Detroit is also among the world's busiest inland ports, a major steel producer, and a leader in the production of office equipment, paint, salt, garden seeds, and pharmaceuticals. The Detroit River is linked by 25 steamship companies to more than 40 countries; vessels ranging from ocean-going freighters to private yachts dock in the city's protected harbor.

A multicultural city known for high hopes and hard work, Detroit has world-class museums, theaters, and galleries, a well-run park system, extensive recreational and sports facilities, and lively ethnic neighborhoods full of friendly people and good restaurants. Those who visit the city for the first time are pleasantly surprised, and tend to echo the Convention and Visitors Bureau's slogan: "It's a Good Time in Detroit."