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.
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.
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 Lightship Huron Still Lights the Way on the St. Clair River.
One interesting little site, located in a county park, is the Lightship Huron. Lightships are floating lighthouses that could be anchored on the lakes where it was too deep or impossible to build a lighthouse.
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.
Belle Isle State Park Works To Restore Historic Sawmill
For decades, City of Detroit foresters industriously labored away in a quaint sawmill within Belle Isle Park, giving trees from streets and parks new life as usable wood after they were removed for road widening or death from disease, pests, or storms.
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.