Click above images to enlarge Michigan State Fair 1120 West State Fair Avenue, Woodward Avenue at 8 Mile Road, Detroit - Wayne County Other Names State Fairgrounds Property Type fairground Historic Use RECREATION AND CULTURE/fair Current Use RECREATION AND CULTURE/fair Marker Name Michigan State Fair Marker Text MICHIGAN STATE FAIR America's first state fair, conducted by the Michigan Agricultural Society with the support of the legislature and local citizens, was held in Detroit on September 25-27, 1849. About eight hundred dollars in premiums were awarded for those "articles, productions and improvements" that were "best calculated to promote the agricultural and household manufacturing interests of the state." The site of this annual fair was often moved until 1905 when it was given a permanent home here at the fairgrounds. Period of Significance 1826-1865 Significant Date(s) 1849 Registry Type(s) 01/17/1958 Marker erected 09/17/1957 State Register listed Site ID# P25175