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 Kawkawlin Michigan – From Sawmill Outpost to Steady River Town (1844 – 1950)

Posted on April 24, 2026May 1, 2026 by Michael Hardy

In the history of Kawkawlin Michigan, the tiny village began as a place of work—and nearly became a place of

History of Fremont Michigan – How Gerber, and a Small Town’s Rise Helped Feed America – (1871- 1940)

Posted on April 22, 2026May 1, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The history of Fremont Michigan shows how railroads, local farms, and Gerber transformed a quiet town into a key player in early American food production, while its lakefront and Main Street life remained intact.

Fascinating History of Olivet Michigan – Railroads, Mills, and a College Town – (1844-1939)

Posted on April 16, 2026May 1, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The History of Olivet Michigan highlights how a railroad stop, working mills, and a college shaped a small town that adapted to major changes in transportation and industry while maintaining a steady identity rooted in community and local life.

History of Rives Junction Michigan – 1 Surprising Truth About the State’s Origin Point

Posted on April 10, 2026May 1, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Rives Junction helped define Michigan’s land system in 1815, then became a busy rail crossing that never grew. This story explains why a place so important stayed small.

The History of Durand Michigan – Railroad City, USA (1890-1940)

Posted on April 5, 2026May 1, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The history of Durand Michigan is the story of the railroad. Unlike many Michigan towns that grew around lumber, mining,

The History of Park Island Michigan – When Lake Orion Offered the Thrill of Coney Island in Michigan (1901-1933)

Posted on April 4, 2026May 6, 2026 by Michael Hardy

There was a time when thousands of people came to Lake Orion every summer, not by car, but by boat.

History of Copemish Michigan – Railroads, Woodenware, and a Main Street That Once Felt Big 1900–1935

Posted on March 31, 2026May 1, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Copemish, Michigan began as a railroad stop and logging town in Manistee County. These early photos show a busy small town built on timber, railroads, and local businesses that served the people who lived and worked there.

History of Buckley Michigan – A Railroad and Lumber Town That Survived

Posted on March 29, 2026May 1, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The History of Buckley Michigan is the story of a railroad and logging town that survived the end of the lumber era by turning to agriculture, allowing the town to survive while many northern Michigan logging towns disappeared.