Louis Campau was an instrumental figure in the development of Michigan as it went from being part of the Northwest Territory, to being part of the Indiana Territory, to being established as the Territory of Michigan, and finally as it became the twenty-sixth state of the United States of America. Louis Campau played an important role in the settlement of Michigan by expanding the fur trade and founding two of the state's major cities. Uncle Louis follows the life of Louis Campau; from his birth in Detroit in 1791 to his death in Grand Rapids in 1871. Along the way, he fought in the War of 1812; expanded the fur trade north and west of Detroit; founded Saginaw and Grand Rapids; and helped build and promote Grand Rapids, the place he finally called home.