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.

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.

Defunct Michigan Automakers – 8 Tough Lessons from the Michigan’s Lost Car Companies

Posted on November 19, 2025November 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Defunct Michigan automakers once filled Detroit, Lansing and Kalamazoo with factories, jobs and big promises. This feature profiles Packard, Hudson, AMC, REO, Hupmobile, Detroit Electric and Checker, and explains how each tried to stand against the Big Three before finally closing the doors.

Category: History

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

Defunct Michigan Automakers – 8 Tough Lessons from the Michigan’s Lost Car Companies

November 11, 1911 Cyclone at Owosso, Michigan- The Night the City Never Forgot – Video

History of Chesaning Michigan – Big Rock Beginnings

History of Saginaw Michigan – 9 Essential Turning Points That Built a Proud River City – Video

History of Bay City Michigan – Streetcars, Sugar, and Shipwrights: A Very Busy River Town – Video

Armada Michigan History – Fair Week 1909, Trains, and a Carnegie Library

Lakeville Michigan History – Early Days of Resorts, Camps, and Cottage Life (1880-1940) – Video