The Dawn of Detroit : : a Chronicle of Slavery and Freedom in the City of the Straits

Introduction: the coast of the strait -- The straits of slavery (1760-1770) -- The war for liberty (1774-1783) -- The wild northwest (1783-1803) -- The winds of change (1802-1807) -- The rise of the renegades (1807-1815) -- Conclusion: the American city (1817 and beyond) -- Coda: a note on historical conversations and concepts.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

An important book submitted by SoCalHistorian on June 26, 2020, 8:00pm An invaluable history of the long presence of slavery in Detroit and Michigan more generally. However, at times it suffers from a lack of editing which can weaken the author's argument at points. Still, an important book for those interested in Michigan history!

Interested in local history? submitted by karenella on June 27, 2023, 10:26pm The author compiled a lot of information to convey an important understanding of the history of the area in and around Detroit.

Indispensable volume for local regional history submitted by wendell6 on July 25, 2025, 7:39am Miles' superb look at the birth and growth of colonial Detroit ought to be required reading for anyone interested in learning about the history of this neck of the woods (it makes a great one-two punch with Alan Taylor's "The Civil War of 1812" and maybe Michael MacDonnell's "Masters of Empire"). Centering the experiences of indigenous and Black inhabitants (the latter part of the area's history from the beginning of colonial settlement) she looks at Detroit's integral involvement with the Native powers surrounding it and the complications that ensued with greater "development" (disputes over land, slavery, etc.). At least one startling revelation involved the legal limbo surrounding slavery in Canada and the US (Detroit would become de facto American by the late 1790s). Highly recommended as an early history of both the country and region.

Excellent addition to Detroit history submitted by norakrinitsky on August 9, 2025, 7:59pm Miles is a beautiful writer. Give it a try even if nonfiction isn't your thing!