Did Michigan and Ohio go to war?

Did Michigan and Ohio Go to War?

The question itself may seem absurd, given the long-standing friendship and geographic proximity between the two states. However, the history books reveal a fascinating episode that could have led to a conflict between Michigan and Ohio. In this article, we’ll delve into the events that brought these two states to the brink of war and explore the reasons why it never happened.

The Toledo Strip Dispute

The origin of the conflict dates back to the early 19th century, when Ohio and Michigan were both attempting to expand their territories westward. The Toledo Strip, a narrow strip of land located in what is now northwestern Ohio and southeastern Michigan, was a key area of contention.

The Treaty of Paris (1783)

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, ended the American Revolutionary War and established the United States’ borders. Article II of the Treaty stated that the territorial boundaries of the United States would be determined by a line running due north from the mouth of the Great Miami River to the middle of Lake Erie, thence due west to the southern boundary of the Canadian province of Quebec.

The Northwest Ordinance (1787)

The Northwest Ordinance, passed by the Continental Congress in 1787, established the Northwest Territory, which comprised present-day Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Section 14 of the Ordinance stated that any territory acquired from the British would be added to the Northwest Territory.

Ohio’s Claim to the Toledo Strip

In 1825, Ohio claimed that the Toledo Strip was part of its territory, citing the Treaty of Paris and the Northwest Ordinance. Michigan, on the other hand, argued that the strip was part of its territory, citing a clause in the Treaty of Paris that stated the boundary line would run due north from the mouth of the Great Miami River.

Michigan’s Claim to the Toledo Strip

Michigan’s case was strengthened by the 1836 Treaty of Chicago, which was signed between the United States government and the indigenous tribes of the region. Article III of the Treaty stated that the tribes ceded their claims to the Toledo Strip, which was then part of Michigan Territory.

Ohio’s Response

Ohio, however, refused to accept Michigan’s claim, leading to a series of protests and threats of violence between the two states. The situation escalated to the point where Ohio Governor Joseph Vance threatened to dispatch a militia to the Toledo Strip to assert Ohio’s claim.

The Dorr Rebellion

In response to Ohio’s threats, Michigan Governor Stevens T. Mason called up the state militia to defend the Toledo Strip. The situation seemed to be heading towards armed conflict, but a settlement was reached through diplomatic channels.

The Webster-Ashburton Treaty (1842)

In 1842, the Webster-Ashburton Treaty was signed, which established the border between the United States and British North America. Article II of the Treaty established the border between Michigan and Ohio, with the Toledo Strip being awarded to Ohio.

Conclusion

Michigan and Ohio did not ultimately go to war over the Toledo Strip, but the dispute highlights the complex history of border disputes in the United States. The article has shown that the question of whether Michigan and Ohio went to war is actually a complex one, involving a series of treaties, ordinances, and territorial disputes.

Timeline of the Toledo Strip Dispute:

Key Figures:

• Governor Joseph Vance (Ohio): Threatened to dispatch a militia to the Toledo Strip to assert Ohio’s claim.
• Governor Stevens T. Mason (Michigan): Called up the state militia to defend the Toledo Strip.
• Daniel Webster (United States Senator): Negotiated the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, which established the border between Michigan and Ohio.