10 Unique Words For Place Names In Michigan
Historian and writer Mark Putman explores ten unique Native American words that derive place names in Michigan. A fascinating history of our evolving language.
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.
Why Are There 5 Quirky Houses in the Middle of Indiana Dunes National Park
Tucked among the Indiana Dunes National Park on the shores of Lake Michigan is a bit of an anomaly; five model homes from the 1933 Chicago Worlds Fair. They look out of place among the wilds of the park, but they …
Opening Lake Huron Beach Access in 1937 Was To Attract Tourists
We almost take it for granted that beach access near the lake in Huron county that your a short walk or drive away from being able to put your toes into the water. That was not always the case.
A Day In Hell – The 1911 Oscoda and AuSable Fire
The devastation of the 1911 Oscoda and AuSable fire that wiped out these eastern Michigan towns would be compared to the Great Peshtigo Fire in 1871
These two bustling shoreline towns were wiped off the map in one day.
The Coast Guard Station In Harbor Beach – 1929
The Huron Milling Co. has dredged a channel from deep water in the harbor the US Coast Guard maintained the station just south of the dock.
Pointe Aux Barques Resort Noted in the Standard Guide to Mackinac Island & Northern Lake Resorts 1899
Excerpt on the Pointe Aux Barques Resort taken from the Standard Guide to Mackinac Island and Northern Michigan Resorts 1899.
The Standard Guide; Mackinac Island and Northern Lake Resorts. It is a visitors handbook written in 1898 detailing early tourism to Mackinac Island. For 25 cents it gave the potential visitor a glimpse of what to expect at Michigan’s premier tourist destination. However, the ads and descriptions of the other northern Michigan resorts of the day are fascinating.
Port Crescent Sand and Fill Operations
After the lumber industry collapsed in Michigan during the 1880s. The town of Port Crescent was abandoned and most buildings moved. Sand operations started for glass making.
Caro Water Works – The 6 Challenges That Had To Be Solved
In May of 1887, the Caro community voted on its first public water system. It would be built by a private company and be called the Caro Water Works.
The creation of the Caro Water Works Co. sought to solve problems of a small growing city in rural Michigan in the late 1800s.