Detroit's significance to the history of the automobile is inarguable, and that makes it the only metropolis in America that we care to note when another candle is added to its cake. Today, the town that's known as both the Motor City and Motown celebrates its 311th birthday. It was founded on July 24, 1701 by French explorer Antoine de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, whose name was later immortalized as General Motors' luxury car brand. What began as a French fort and fur-trading settlement grew to become this country's hub of manufacturing in the 20th century, but now Detroit finds itself in a process of recalibration.
Autoblog , Happy 311th birthday, Detroit!, Happy 311th birthday, Detroit!
