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.

a row of cars parked in front of a building

Rare Photos of Mid-Century Detroit Offer Glimpse into City’s Past at Library of Michigan Exhibit

Posted on October 8, 2024October 8, 2024 by Malcom Mott

The Library of Michigan’s new exhibit “The Searching Eye: Images of Mid-Century Detroit” features rare black-and-white photographs by Norman Zadoorian, showcasing Detroit from the 1940s to 1960s. The collection illustrates the city’s industrial history and personal narratives, enhanced by essays from Zadoorian’s son, Michael, creating a deep emotional connection to Detroit’s past.

Vacation Vibes – Caseville Palmer Motel (1963)

Posted on September 28, 2024September 28, 2024 by Michael Hardy

Caseville’s Palmer Motel in 1963 was being marketed as a good vacation spot to get away from the hectic rush of the modern world.

Today the building remains as a reminder of the rustic era of tourism in Caseville.

It’s Easy To Find All 1,793 Michigan Historical Markers Across the State

Posted on September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 by Michael Hardy

Michigan’s historical markers are one of the oldest state programs in the country for denoting historical , geographic or cultural events and places of significance. A website provided by the Michigan DNR gives details on each and every one of them.

How Michigan’s Poor Farms Shaped Social Care – Huron County Poor Farm’s 60-Year Legacy

Posted on September 10, 2024September 10, 2024 by Michael Hardy

The Huron County Poor Farm was built due to the 1830 Michigan law directing each county to build a poor house. It was on 200 acres located west of Bad Axe.

It operated until the start of Social Security in 1937.

The Way It Was – Charity Island Saginaw Bay Lighthouse Ruins 1993

Posted on September 2, 2024March 19, 2026 by Michael Hardy

This picture of Charity Island Michigan Ruins was taken in 1993, about the time Standish real estate broker Robert Wiltse and a group of investors bought the island for development.

The Great Michigan Flood of 1986: Mid-Michigan Disaster

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Michael Hardy

Few natural disasters have the impact of a flood. In hours entire communities can be forever changed. The Great Michigan Flood of 1986 affected the entire Mid-Michigan region. We take a look.

The Forlorn Pere Marquette Depot of Harbor Beach

Posted on July 24, 2024July 24, 2024 by Michael Hardy

In 1878, the Port Huron and Northwestern Railroad extended track from Port Huron to Sand Beach, aiding local economy. The railroad was crucial for transporting goods and later converted to standard gauge. Accidents and declining use led to discontinuation of rail services in 1995, with the historic depot repurposed for lodging.

Michigan’s Shore Indian Trail – Hull’s Trace & War of 1812

Posted on July 11, 2024January 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

The Shore Indian trail was one of the five major routes of land travel leading out of Detroit and one best known to the early settlers.

The trail begins from the rapids of the Maumee River to Toledo. It played a major role during the War of 1812.