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.

Golf on Mackinac Island – Play 2 Idyllic Courses Born in the Gilded Age

Posted on September 20, 2023September 20, 2023 by Paul Austin

Golfing on Mackinac Island, has its roots firmly planted in the late 19th century when interest in golf rapidly grew across America. These courses are a nod to their historic and idyllic location.

5 Star Transformation – Michigan Central Depot to Exquisite Gandy Dancer

Posted on June 25, 2023July 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Journey back in time at the Gandy Dancer, a culinary gem housed in the historic Michigan Central Depot. Indulge in exquisite cuisine while trains pass by, echoing stories of a bygone era.

Native American Museums In Michigan – 9 Resources For Exploring Our Rich Cultural Heritage

Posted on June 21, 2023October 29, 2024 by Paul Austin

Experience the profound legacy of Native American tribes in Michigan. Their vibrant cultural heritage echoes in every corner of the state, from the thriving agriculture to the dynamic art scene. We discovered Native American collections in nine Michigan museums that are worth a visit.

Discover 15 Enchanting Michigan Pioneer Log Cabins in Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties

Posted on June 14, 2023June 14, 2023 by Michael Hardy

A task for all early pioneers in Michigan was to make a log cabin. The Bad Axe Historical Society is the curator of the largest collection of authentically restored pioneer log buildings in the state.

General Stores in Michigan in the 1800s – A Photo Essay

Posted on June 10, 2023January 29, 2025 by Michael Hardy

General stores in Michigan were integral to developing small towns across the state during the late 1800s. Plus, their front facades were so interesting. We look at several in this photo essay.

Great Lakes Shipbuilding in Saginaw Bay During the Lumber Era

Posted on June 4, 2023June 4, 2023 by Michael Hardy

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.

Discovering the Astounding 25-Mile Prehistoric Wall Spanning Michigan’s Thumb – Fact or Fiction?

Posted on April 27, 2023April 27, 2023 by Michael Hardy

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.