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.

The Pontiac Asylum for the Insane – Michigan’s Grand Psychiatric Experiment

Posted on December 2, 2025December 1, 2025 by Michael Hardy

In the 1910 postcard, the Eastern Michigan Asylum for the Insane looms over a bare yard in Pontiac. Tall brick

Steamer at Port Hope Dock, Mich., c.1910

Posted on November 28, 2025November 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

We’re standing at the crowded dock in Port Hope, Michigan, sometime around 1905 to 1913. A Great Lakes steamer, its

Stump Battles of Edmore Michigan

Posted on November 28, 2025November 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

These scenes from around Edmore Michigan, in Montcalm County, show what came after Michigan’s great lumber boom. Once this ground

History of Fair Haven Michigan – Rediscovering Anchor Bay’s Lost Summer Playground – (1900-1930) – Video

Posted on November 25, 2025November 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Drive along Dixie Highway today and Fair Haven, Michigan is easy to miss. A few marinas, a bar or two,

History of Casco Michigan – 5 Striking Postcards From a Hard-Working Farm Town

Posted on November 25, 2025November 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

The History of Casco Michigan comes alive in a stack of real photo postcards. One-room schools, bean fields, orchards and family homes show how a modest St. Clair County farm township built its daily life.

Celebrating The History of Richmond Michigan – Convenient Small-Town Living 1890–1930

Posted on November 24, 2025November 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

From the brick Hotel Lenox to St. Augustine’s stone church and the steady hum of the Grand Trunk Railway, the history of Richmond Michigan between 1890 and 1930 shows how a modest farm town adopted modern life without losing its close community ties.

Overlooked Michigan History You Likely Missed in School

Posted on November 23, 2025November 23, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Michigan has a pretty interesting history that goes beyond what you usually hear about. While many people think of its

Fascinating Loosemore Point Legend – The Driftwood Castle and “Indian Gold” Myth in Michigan’s Thumb

Posted on November 22, 2025January 1, 2026 by Michael Hardy

We examine a local legend of Indian gold and a hermit who made a castle at Loosemore point near the tip of Michigan’s Thumb.