Finding Fun in Michigan & Beyond
Our best Michigan history posts are found below.
The times of greatest shipbuilding in the Great Lakes region was during the lumbering era. From 1839 until the early 1890s, the virgin old-growth Michigan forests were cut down to produce lumber for growing towns and cities in the lower Great Lakes. Michigan was the nation’s leading lumber producer from 1869 until about 1900. The only way to transport finished milled lumber from the shore side mills in the Great Lakes was by ship.
In 1859, a ferocious wolf attacked a Michigan farmer. The farmer’s wife exhibited remarkable courage, engaging the wolf in a deadly fight. Her heroic stand underscored the unpredictable nature of wildlife and human bravery.
In November 1924, the idyllic town of Caseville, Michigan, faced a harrowing challenge as a massive forest fire, sparked by careless hunters, threatened to engulf the entire community. Fueled by high winds, the fire spread across Huron County, menacing surrounding villages and valuable Thumb property. As the inferno drew closer to the town, hundreds of courageous men from nearby areas rallied together to answer Caseville’s desperate call for help.
An obscure story in the Detroit Free Press in 1900 offers a fantastic tale of a prehistoric race, long assumed to be from Central America, who took refuge in Michigan’s Thumb when the region was still an island.
Discover the enchanting world of Michigan’s covered bridges as you journey through history, exploring picturesque landscapes, and experiencing the state’s heritage on this unforgettable road trip.
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.
In the mid-19th century, J. Jenks set forth on a journey that would not only change his life but also shape the future of Michigan’s Huron coast. A true pioneer and entrepreneur, he became a driving force behind the development of lumber, salt, milling, commercial, and agricultural industries in the region. Jenks’ legacy lives on today through his thriving business, J. Jenks & Co., and his contributions to the growth and prosperity of Sanilac and Huron Counties.
An account of the Great Lakes Steamer B.F. Ferris burned to a total loss while at the docks in Caseville in 1891.
