Century Building and Little Theatre
a.k.a. Century Club
333 Madison, Detroit, MI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
The immigration of Czechs to America has a rich history that spans several centuries. Here is a brief timeline highlighting key moments in Czech immigration to America:
1848: The Revolutions of 1848 across Europe, including the Austrian Empire (which included Bohemia and Moravia), sparked political and social unrest. As a result, some Czechs sought political refuge in the United States.
1850s: The first significant wave of Czech immigration to the United States begins. Many Czechs, primarily from Bohemia and Moravia, settle in areas such as Texas, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
1862: The Homestead Act, which offered free land to settlers, attracts Czech immigrants to the American Midwest, particularly to farming communities in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Late 19th to early 20th century: The peak period of Czech immigration to America. Economic opportunities and escape from political oppression and economic hardship in the Austro-Hungarian Empire drive large numbers of Czechs to emigrate. Many settle in urban areas like Chicago, New York City, and Cleveland, forming vibrant Czech-American communities.
1918: The creation of Czechoslovakia as an independent nation following World War I leads to a decrease in Czech immigration to the United States, as some Czechs choose to return to their homeland.
1930s to 1940s: The rise of Nazi Germany and subsequent occupation of Czechoslovakia during World War II prompt a new wave of Czech immigrants, including Jewish refugees fleeing persecution.
1948: The Communist Party takes control of Czechoslovakia in a coup, leading to further waves of Czech emigration to the United States as people seek political freedom and economic opportunities.
1968: The Prague Spring, a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia, is met with Soviet military intervention. In its aftermath, many Czech intellectuals, artists, and professionals leave the country, seeking asylum in the United States and other Western countries.
1989: The Velvet Revolution, a peaceful transition of power in Czechoslovakia, ushers in a new era of democracy and freedom. Czech immigration to the United States continues, although at a reduced rate compared to earlier waves.
Today, Czech Americans form a vibrant community in the United States, contributing to various fields such as arts, sciences, business, and politics. Their cultural heritage is celebrated through festivals, organizations, and Czech language schools throughout the country.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Michigan was the site of the deadliest school massacre in American history. In 1927, a school board member in Bath, Michigan, named Andrew Kehoe detonated explosives he had planted in the local school, killing 38 children and six adults. Kehoe had also killed his wife and set fire to his farm before carrying out the attack.
During the 19th century, Wayne County experienced rapid growth and development, largely driven by the manufacturing industry. Detroit, the county seat, became known as the "Motor City" due to the rise of the automobile industry. The city became a hub for automotive manufacturing and attracted industrialists such as Henry Ford, who revolutionized the production process with the assembly line.
Wayne County played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly during the 1960s. The city of Detroit witnessed numerous protests and demonstrations advocating for racial equality and an end to discrimination. The infamous 1967 Detroit Riots, sparked by racial tensions and socioeconomic issues, resulted in widespread civil unrest and significant damage to the city.
In recent years, Wayne County has faced challenges related to economic decline and urban decay. The region has made efforts to revitalize urban areas, attract investment, and diversify its economy. Today, Wayne County remains a prominent part of Michigan's economy, driven by industries such as automotive manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. The county is also home to various cultural attractions and institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Henry Ford Museum.
Wayne County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Wayne County, Michigan.
- 1796 - Wayne County is established as part of the Northwest Territory
- 1805 - Detroit, the county seat, is incorporated as a town
- 1815 - The War of 1812 ends, and Wayne County experiences rapid growth
- 1827 - Wayne County's boundaries are redefined
- 1854 - Detroit is incorporated as a city
- 1861-1865 - Wayne County residents contribute to the Union effort during the Civil War
- 1920s - Wayne County's population booms due to industrialization and the growth of the automotive industry
- 1930s - Wayne County suffers from the Great Depression, but the automotive industry eventually recovers
- 1940s-1950s - Wayne County experiences post-war economic growth and suburbanization
- 1967 - The Detroit riot leads to civil unrest and significant changes in the city
- 1973 - Construction of the Renaissance Center, a major landmark in downtown Detroit, begins
- 1990s - Wayne County faces economic challenges, including the decline of the automotive industry
- 2008-2014 - Wayne County suffers from the Great Recession, with high unemployment rates and a housing crisis