Detroit is the largest and most populous city in Michigan, and a major industrial and cultural center in the Great Lakes region. It is located on the Detroit River, a strait that connects the Great Lakes. It was founded by French colonists in 1701, and later became a hub for the automotive industry and the Motown music scene.
Cleveland is the second-largest and most populous city in Ohio, and a major port city on Lake Erie. It was founded in 1796, and became a center of manufacturing, commerce, and innovation in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is also known for its cultural attractions, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Orchestra.
Milwaukee is the largest and most populous city in Wisconsin, and a major port city on Lake Michigan. It was settled by various European immigrants in the 19th century, and became a leader in brewing, manufacturing, and trade. It is also known for its ethnic diversity, festivals, and sports teams.
Buffalo is the second-largest and most populous city in New York state, and a major port city on Lake Erie. It was founded in 1789, and grew rapidly in the 19th and 20th centuries as a gateway to the west and a hub of industry, commerce, and transportation. It is also known for its architecture, cuisine, and cultural events.
Chicago is the largest and most populous city in Illinois, and the third-largest city in the United States. It is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, and is a global metropolis and a center of finance, culture, and innovation. It was founded in 1833, and rose to prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries as a railroad, industrial, and architectural powerhouse.