History of Chesaning Michigan – Big Rock Beginnings
Chesaning grew along the Shiawassee with mills, farms, rail service, and Main Street parades. See how a Chippewa place-name and early industry shaped a Michigan river town between 1900 and 1930.
Category: History
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.
History of Saginaw Michigan – 9 Essential Turning Points That Built a Proud River City – Video
See how a river, a merger, and a shift from lumber to factories shaped Saginaw, Michigan. Bridges, phones, and the Hoyt Library mark a city learning new trades—and planning for the next season.
History of Bay City Michigan – Streetcars, Sugar, and Shipwrights: A Very Busy River Town – Video
Bay City’s story runs with the Saginaw River. After lumber waned, shipyards, cranes, sugar, and catalog homes drove growth. Fires reshaped downtown. Wenonah Park became the front door on the water.
Armada Michigan History – Fair Week 1909, Trains, and a Carnegie Library
Armada’s early photos reveal a small town in motion—fair arches over Main Street, a rail depot linking farms to markets, and a 1915 Carnegie library that still serves readers. This is how a crossroads became a community.
Lakeville Michigan History – Early Days of Resorts, Camps, and Cottage Life (1880-1940) – Video
Lakeville Michigan history unfolds through rare photos. See how this Oakland County village shifted from mills to summer cottages, Echo Grove Camp, and lakeside tourism.
History of Birch Run – An Impressive Tale When Rails and Commerce Ruled Main Street – Video
In the early 1900s, Birch Run, Michigan, transformed from a quiet rail stop into a bustling small town. The Pere Marquette line, interurban railway, and Main Street merchants powered its rise.
History of Emmett Michigan – 7 Powerful Stories That Shaped a Small Town – Video
Explore the history of Emmett, Michigan — a railroad village born in the 1850s and shaped by faith, farming, and the Grand Trunk Railway. Discover how this small town grew into a symbol of rural Michigan life.
The Wallace Mill – The Sturdy Sentinal of Grindstone City – Video
The Wallace Roller Mill was built in 1887 on the shore of Lake Huron. The mill was the first in the area to diversify from grindstone quarry and milling operations.
The stone structure stands today providing four vacation condos.