News History & Fun in Michigan
We examine stories and events that shaped the history of the Upper Thumb and Michigan. While we focus on the Thumb region, other Great Lakes historical events are covered. Major events include the lumbering era and the 1871 and 1881 great fires. We cover major pioneers and personalities that shaped the region. To hear many of our best stories, visit and subscribe to our Podcast, “The End of the Road in Michigan.”
Our best Michigan history posts are found below.
The history of Durand Michigan is the story of the railroad. Unlike many Michigan towns that grew around lumber, mining, or farming, Durand grew because a rail line crossed at a specific point on the map. That crossing turned farmland into …
There was a time when thousands of people came to Lake Orion every summer, not by car, but by boat. They came for a place called Park Island. Today, many people who live in or visit Lake Orion have never heard …
Copemish, Michigan began as a railroad stop and logging town in Manistee County. These early photos show a busy small town built on timber, railroads, and local businesses that served the people who lived and worked there.
The History of Buckley Michigan is the story of a railroad and logging town that survived the end of the lumber era by turning to agriculture, allowing the town to survive while many northern Michigan logging towns disappeared.
Small towns in Michigan evolve. Back in the 1900s, before the Old Log Cabin Restaurant, a small town provided all the services one needed, which was merely a horseback or buggy ride away. General stores, liveries, blacksmiths, hardware stores, hotels, and …
The Oakland Hotel is a beloved St. Clair, Michigan treasure, offering guests an unforgettable glimpse into the town’s rich history and architectural heritage. From its early days as a bustling hub for tourists and industrial workers to its current status as a beautifully restored and modernized landmark, the hotel remains a vital part of the community’s identity.
Michigan’s history is often told through well-known events—Detroit’s auto industry, the Mackinac Bridge, or lumber booms. But across the state, smaller and often forgotten stories still sit in plain sight. While many people think of its big factories and industrial growth, …
Genealogy research in Michigan is entering a new phase, driven by faster access to vital records, advances in DNA technology, and expanded historical archives. Recent developments across the state point to a shift: Michigan genealogy research and family history are no …
