Birwood Wall
a.k.a. Eight Mile Wall; Detroit Wall; Wailing Wall
Along the alleyway between Birwood Ave. and Mendota St. from Eight Mile Rd. to Pembroke Ave., Detroit, MI Local significance of the structure:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2021.
- 1821: The Mexican War of Independence concludes, and Mexico gains independence from Spain. Texas is a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico.
- 1824: The Mexican government establishes the Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.
- 1826: A group of American settlers, known as the Fredonian Rebellion, attempt to establish an independent state in Texas. The rebellion is short-lived and quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.
- 1830: The Mexican government, concerned about the growing number of American settlers in Texas, passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes restrictions on further American immigration to Texas.
- 1835: Tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government escalate, leading to the Texas Revolution. The Texian rebels, led by figures such as Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, engage in battles against Mexican forces.
- 1836: On March 2, the Texian delegates at the Convention of 1836 declare independence from Mexico and establish the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston is elected as the first President of Texas. The Battle of the Alamo takes place in February-March, where a small Texian garrison defends the Alamo Mission against a large Mexican army. Despite their defeat, the battle becomes a symbol of Texian resistance.
- 1836-1838: The Republic of Texas faces a series of military conflicts with Mexico, including the Goliad Massacre and the Battle of San Jacinto. The decisive Texian victory at San Jacinto secures their independence and captures Mexican General Santa Anna, who signs the Treaties of Velasco recognizing Texas as an independent nation.
- 1836-1845: The Republic of Texas operates as an independent nation, establishing a constitution, government, and capital at various locations including Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, and eventually, Houston. Efforts to join the United States face opposition due to fears of potential conflict with Mexico.
- 1845: Texas agrees to annexation and becomes the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845, following approval by the U.S. Congress. This leads to the Mexican-American War in 1846.
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.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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