Although Hamtramck, Michigan has declined in population each decade since 1930, it remains the most densely populated city in the state.
Other than a short border with Highland Park in the northeast, the city is surrounded by Detroit. Besides Detroit and Highland Park, cities and villages within twenty miles of Hamtramck include Hazel Park, Center Line, Ferndale, Grosse Pointe Park, Harper Woods, Dearborn, Pleasant Ridge, Madison Heights, Royal Oak, Eastpointe, Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Woods, Oak Park, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Shores, Berkley, Clawson, Southfield, Melvindale, River Rouge, Lathrup Village, Warren, Allen Park, Ecorse, St. Clair Shores, Lincoln Park, Troy, Roseville, Beverly Hills, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Franklin, Bloomfield Hills, Taylor, Livonia, Wyandotte, Fraser, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights, and Southgate.
In the 20th century, it was known as a center for Polish-American culture but the 21st century has brought an influx of new immigrants, particularly from Yemen and Bangladesh. In 2015, Hamtramck became the first city in the United States to have a majority Muslim city council.
First appearing on a census report in 1910 with a population of 3,559, Hamtramck's population rose by 1,266% in the first decade, and by another 15.7% in the second decade, for a peak population of 56,268, but it has declined every decade since.
Named for Jean Francois Hamtramck, a French-Canadian soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War and later commanded Fort Shelby in Detroit, Hamtramck Township was organized in 1798 and settled largely by people of French origin from Quebec.
In 1901, when Hamtramck was reorganized as a village, its population largely consisted of German farmers.
However, the Dodge Brothers opened the Dodge Main auto manufacturing plant there in 1914, and its population exploded, due to an influx of Polish immigrants who came to work in the factory, and Hamtramck was incorporated as a city in 1922 in order to prevent annexation by Detroit.
In 1980, Dodge Main closed and was demolished the following year. In 1985, General Motors opened its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, which required the demolishing of six churches and the homes of more than four thousand residents of the adjacent Poletown neighborhood in Detroit.
Over the past few decades, the city has continued to decline in population, although its percentage of immigrants from the Middle East and South Asia has risen considerably, and the city has heralded its diversity in the motto, "A league of nations." Although just over ten percent of its current population is of Polish heritage, its Polish history can still be seen in many of its streets and business names. The city hosts Polish festivals and events each year, and its Polish Art Center highlights Polish art, literature, and foods.
The focus of this category is on the City of Hamtramck, Michigan. Appropriate resources include websites representing the city or any businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, events, or sporting and recreational programs and facilities.
Categories
Education & InstructionFaith & Spirituality | Places to EatThings to Do & Places to Go |
 
 
Recommended Resources
Specializing in pre-owned auto sales, the dealership is located on Conant Street in Hamtramck, Michigan. Its location is shown on a map, its hours of operation are posted, and a phone number is displayed, and a contact form is included. Its inventory is featured online, with featured vehicles highlighted in a slider on the index page, and other available vehicles may be found through a search on make, model, or maximum price, or by browsing through several category selections.
https://www.thebengalauto.com/
Held in Hamtramck, Michigan, the annual festival is designed to showcase local female directors, including those who are identifying as women, and has served as a springboard for many women in their directing careers. The festival program may change from year to year but is likely to include theatre performance shorts, documentary shorts, and narrative shorts, as well as virtual events. Tips on how to get involved are offered and a list of featured directors is put forth.
https://boxfestdetroit.com/
Surrounded by Detroit, except for a small border with Highland Park, the city is about five miles from the center of Detroit. The official municipal website tells the history of the city, including a timeline, and posts the hours of operation for city departments and administrative offices, except for the police and fire departments, which operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The mayor, city council, boards, and commissions are acknowledged, and meeting agendas and minutes are included.
https://hamtramck.us/
The faith-based, non-profit organization in Hamtramck, Michigan operates under the umbrella of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, offering assistance in meeting basic human needs, such as food and clothing, and the tools needed to become self-sufficient. In operation since 1926, its programs are highlighted, a calendar of events is presented, and registrations for assistance, volunteer opportunities, and contacts and hours are posted on the site.
https://www.detroitfriendshiphouse.org/
Specializing in creating authentic furniture and other home decors from reclaimed, salvaged, and collected materials, including vintage, industrial, and modern-themed collections. Available products are sorted into several single runs or small-batch categories, architectural materials, hardware, lifestyle products, and collaborations. Also available is residential and commercial design work, interior design, and custom furniture, all of which are featured in photographs.
https://www.woodwardthrowbacks.com/