8 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Hamtramck

By: Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers | September 15, 2017
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The city of Hamtramck might be small, but it isn’t boring. From a Disneyland to a Fat Tuesday, the city is endlessly unique and diverse. It’s one of metro Detroit’s most beloved cities, and as we did with Detroit and Ann Arbor, we figured it was time to shine a spotlight on Hamtramck. So whether you live in the diverse city or vaguely know about it, here’s some things you might not have known about Hamtramck.

Name is from Canada, eh

Our friends from the north are responsible for giving us many things; hockey, Tim Horton’s, maple syrup, etc. You probably knew those things, but you probably didn’t know that Hamtramck is named after a French-Canadian soldier, Jean Francois Hamtramck, who was the first American commander of Fort Shelby in Detroit during the Revolutionary War.

We’re Going to Disneyland!

Many Hamtramck residents are familiar with Disneyland in Hamtramck, but for those out of the city, you should definitely make the trip. While it might not be officially Disney, Disneyland in Hamtramck is still a great option to see some of the most unique pieces of art in the state. Hatch Art took over ownership in May 2016 and has become one of the most beloved places in Hamtramck.

Lets Rock and Roll

Detroit has a rich music history, and the same can be said about many of its surrounding cities. Hamtramck’s call to fame is the Romantics’ lead singer, Wally Palmar, being born in the city. Bonus fact: Palmar was born Volodymyr Palamarchuk.  

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A Park Built for a Pope

One of the more beautiful parts of Hamtramck is certainly Pope Park. The name might seem obvious in hindsight, but some may not know that the park is named after Pope John Paul III’s visit in September 1987.

Making History

Hamtramck made history in November 2015 when it became the first American city to elect a Muslim-majority city council. This was a major moment in the city’s government and just shows the diversity that exists in the city.

Diverse is Hamtramck’s Middle Name

You might know that Hamtramck is diverse, but just how much so might shock you. Hamtramck is considered the most diverse city in Michigan with immigrants from Yemen, Bangladesh, Bosnia, and most of all, Poland. The township became a popular destination for European immigrants in the early 1900s, with a particular influx of Polish immigrants.

Hamtramck is the Place to Be on Fat Tuesday

Ah, Paczkis. We love when Fat Tuesday comes in February so we can indulge in the glory of Paczkis. Hamtramck is the center of the annual holiday as many local bars, bakeries, and other establishments host parties and offer free paczki. With many Polish inspired establishments, Hamtramck is the perfect place to be on Fat Tuesday.

Bowl with a Football

When you see 10 pins set upright in a triangle formation, you expect to roll a bowling ball down a lane. That isn’t always the case in Hamtramck. The Fowling Warehouse makes you throw a football at the pins. The establishment is the first of its kind in Michigan and has become a hotspot for corporate and large parties to get together. It’s a fun game, and you might have tried it yourself, but you might not have known it was the first of its kind.

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