6 Notable Historical Events in Michigan that changed Everything
Michigan was once dismissed as a worthless swamp by early federal surveyors, a region supposedly too muddy and mosquito-ridden to support a growing…
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.
Donuts & Cider – Fall Festivals in Michigan
Michigan orchards produced more than 1.3 billion pounds of apples last year, a harvest that secures the state’s position as the second-largest…
The History of Trout Creek Michigan – Sawmills, Railroads and Baseball
In 1912, Trout Creek had three operating sawmills. Each generated its own electricity. One company plant also supplied power to the town. That surprising arrangement says much about early Trout Creek. The mills did not simply employ their residents. They powered …
The Story of Indian Dave – A Legend in the Thumb 1803–1909
In 1866, two men paddled a canoe from Vassar to Caro carrying the official government records that would settle a heated dispute over the location of…
History of Sandusky Michigan – 9 Remarkable Changes That Built a Thumb City
Historic photographs trace Sandusky, Michigan, from its lumber-era roots into a busy county seat shaped by railroads, agriculture and local commerce. The account follows two depots, grain elevators, downtown hotels, the 1915 courthouse fire and the unusual Practical Institute of Pharmacy class photographed in 1929.
Tracing Caseville History: A Guide to Huron County’s Industrial Roots
In the late 1800s, Caseville’s salt wells produced up to 50,000 barrels annually, a massive output that fueled the rapid growth of this Saginaw Bay…
What is Minnesota Known For – Foods and Traditions
In the northern reaches of the Great Lakes region, Minnesota claims the title of “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” but the state actually contains 11,842…
Michigan Thumb Tourism: The Ultimate Guide to the Great Lakes’ Undiscovered Coast
What if the most authentic Great Lakes experience isn’t found on the crowded boardwalks of the west coast, but in the quiet, rugged tip of Michigan’s…