From the time Champlain visited the Great Lakes, the French goverment claimed the entire region as its own.
All Canada, and what is now the all Northwest Territory of the United States, was variously desginated as "New France", "Louisiana", or Canada.
During French rule, 3 Kings and 3 Regents had authority over Detroit and its surrounding areas. During Cardinal Rechelieu's appointment as Prime Minister, Quebec was captured by the British (July 29, 1629). It remained their possession until March 29, 1632, when it was surrendered back to the French.
Under French Government, local commandants were appointed for Detroit by other posts and conformed their authority as far as possible to French Law. They were held responsible to the Governor-General, to whom they reported.
During the reign of Louis XV, Canada was surrendered to General Jeffrey Amherst, of the British Army, on September 8, 1760, and on November 29, 1760, Detroit was given up by the French commandant Bellestre to Major Robert Rogers.
The Treaty of Paris(1763), sometimes called the Treaty of Versailles, Detroit was fully surrendered and George III of England became the sovereign of Detroit
After the surrender of Canada to Amherst, George III(King of England) established the boundaries of Quebec, and other providences, but no part of the territory Northwest of the Ohio River was included in any of the providences. The same proclaimation appointed James Murray Governor-General, and provided for his forming a council.
On June 22, 1774, under the Quebec Act, a civil government was established in the territory which included Detroit. The terms of the Act put legislative power in the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, or Commander-In-Cheif, and a council of not less the 17, but not more then 23 persons, to be appointed by the King.
A law divided the province of Quebec into two providences; Upper and Lower Canada, in which, Michigan, formed part of Upper Canada.
Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe surrendered all of what is now Michigan(extending to the North to Hudson Bay) by the British to the American government on July 16, 1792.
