The small town of Dansville is southeast of Lansing. In 1844 Samuel Crossman came to the area and a few years later opened a store. He sold the store to his son Daniel who plated the town in 1857 and called it Dansville. The town prospered with the nearby railroad and some believe the citizens were trying to be the home of the state capital after it was decided to move it to the middle of the state. A series of fires destroyed many of the businesses downtown and most were never rebuilt. The town was destined to remain a small town and not the state capital if it was even considered for the honor.
It would not be surprising if the town was considered for the capital. Many towns lobbied for the distinction and it is an interesting story as to how Lansing became the capital. You can see my post about it HERE
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