5 Popular Legends of Great Lakes Monsters & One Specter
We cover three of the top legends for Great Lakes Sea Monsters. One is in Lake Erie, one in Lake Huron, Detroit and we actually have a monster in nearby Saginaw Bay.
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.
The Railroad at the Bottom of Saginaw Bay
A ship runs aground in Saginaw Bay only a few miles from its destination in Caseville. Leaving us a tale on the rails.
St. Joseph Indian Trail – Michigan’s 200 Mile Ancient Highway
The St. Joseph Trail was an ancient major native American route that traversed the southern portion of Michigan—originating near the mouth of the St. Joseph river, it continued eastward terminating near Ann Arbor and connecting with the other major trail systems along the Straits of Detroit.
Over 100 Growing Years of Sweet Michigan Sugar Beet History
After the Great Fire of 1881, Michigan Sugar Beet production took off in Mid-Michigan. Dozens of factories were built for refinement.
This article offers a detailed history of this Michigan industry.
Rediscovering Bach General Store – Fading Days of A Joyful 4 Corner Town
The Bach General Store, long since closed. Once the center of the community, these shops were common in the days before Walmart and Dollar General.
The Lucky History And Amazing #1 Power of the Caro Michigan Dam
The history and story behind the 115 year old Caro Michigan River Dam. It’s been a home to Native Americans and early Michigan settlers.
The Dam is falling into significant disrepair. If it fails the Cass river would become a mere creek which would greatly impact recreational boating and fishing.
Fortunately there is interest in refurbishing the historic structure.
A Lost Lumber and Company Town – New River Michigan
On the shores of Lake Huron near the tip of Michigan’s Thumb is a well appointed cottage community that used to be a thriving company lumber town. New River Michigan as been almost erased by time and nature.
A Short History of The Saginaw Bay Fishery
Historically, Saginaw Bay supported Lake Huron’s largest commercial walleye fishery and was second in the Great Lakes to only Lake Erie.
The earliest commercial fisheries dated to the 1830s, and walleye were specifically noted in catch records as early as 1858.