Page 107 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

temporary capitol building was constructed. It was obviously important that the state capital be better connected, and this became
possible with the railroad system. The final capitol building was finished in 1878.
In the early days of automobile making, vehicles were made in small numbers and by hand. Carrying large amounts of materials about was not an issue. So companies tended to be founded for local considerations alone, often where inventors lived. This was the case with founder Ransom E. Olds who started the Olds Motor Vehicle Company in August 1897. This became the Oldsmobile division of General Motors in 1908.
As motor vehicle making grew, so did the company, and with it the city. That is why Lansing became a manufacturing city even though it was the state capital and far from most markets.
With the growth of manufacturing, there was a rise in the need for finance, such as banking and insurance. In 2004 motor car making was consolidated into bigger units and the last vehicle rolled off the assembly line. However,
a new research and development facility continues.
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