Detroit free press election series#

The legislation creating this mayoral position was repealed in 1809, after which de facto political power still resided with Hull and Woodward, and Detroit was without either a mayor or Board of Trustees until after the War of 1812. However, the position was largely honorary, and the two men who held it ( Solomon Sibley and Elijah Brush) both quickly resigned upon realizing the lack of power in the office. Governor William Hull and Judge Augustus Woodward dissolved the original incorporation, replacing it in 1806 with a government headed by an appointed mayor. In 1805, a massive fire destroyed the town and effectively eliminated the government. Subsequent elections were held in May of each year, with the chairmen of the Board of Trustees being: Henry was elected to the position later in the year. The first chairman of the Board, appointed on February 9, 1802, was James Henry. The original incorporation provided for a Board of Trustees to govern the town, the chairman of which was the highest governmental position. The first local rule of Detroit was established in 1802, when Detroit was incorporated as a town. When Detroit was turned over to the Americans in 1796, Colonel Jean François Hamtramck was named commander of Detroit, a position he held until his death in 1803.

Colonel Arent Schuyler de Peyster (1779 – 1784).

Captain Richard Beringer Lernoult (1774 – 1779).

Lieutenant-Colonel John Campbell (1765 – 1766).

Seventeen British commandants led Detroit between 17.

Francois Marie Picote, Sieur de Belestre (1758 - 1760).

Jacques Pierre Daneau, Sieur de Muy (1754 - 1758).

Pierre Joseph Celoron (second term, 1750 - 1754).

Paul Joseph le Moyne, Chevalier de Longueuil (1744 - 1748).

Pierre Jacques Payan de Noyan, Sieur de Charvis (1739 - 1742).

Ives Jacques Hugues Pean, Sieur de Livandiere (1733 - 1736).

Louis Henry Deschamps, Sieur de Boishebert (1730 - 1733).Jacques-Charles Renaud Dubuisson (1714).Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac (1701 – 1710).Early French and British leadership ĭuring the early part of Detroit's existence, local authority was vested in French and British military commandants. From 1824 to 1857, mayors were elected to terms of one year from 1858 to 1953 the term was increased to two years, and after 1953 mayoral terms were four years. This included a brief stint in 1806–1809 with a largely ceremonial mayor.ĭetroit's current strong mayor system dates from the city's 1824 charter.

Detroit free press election series#

Soon after the Detroit area was taken over by American forces, civil authority became more prominent, and executive authority was placed in the hands of a series of appointed officials, elected boards, and elected officials. History of Detroit's executive authority ĭuring the earliest part of its history, Detroit was a military outpost, and executive authority was wielded by first French, then British military commandants. 1.6 1918 charter and nonpartisan elections.1.1 Early French and British leadership.1 History of Detroit's executive authority.