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.

Michigan Indian Chief Standing Oak Defeated the Fox Tribe Near Sebewaing

Posted on June 8, 2021October 29, 2024 by Michael Hardy

Chief Standing Oak ruled the tribe of Chippewa Indians, living near Kilmanagh between the Sebewaing river and Shebeon creek.

He led his tribe in a fierce battle with the Fox.

3 Beaming Huron County Lighthouses Guard the Shore

Posted on June 3, 2021March 19, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Michigan’s Upper Thumbs hosts three lighthouses. Each can be visited and explored.

Forbidden Love, Secret Indian Lead Mines, Murder And Strange Northern Lights in the Upper Thumb

Posted on May 14, 2021April 6, 2022 by Michael Hardy

A legend telling of secret Indian lead mines and murder of a young couple are conveyed in this verbal history of the Upper Thumb of Michigan.

12 Sites Make Up This Amazing Time Capsule of Huron City Michigan

Posted on May 4, 2021May 12, 2024 by Michael Hardy

Huron City Michigan is a historic district and museum with buildings from the 1800s. The town was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. The tiny town is open for tours on Friday and Saturday during July & August.

Exploring the Tragic History of Florida’s Gamble Mansion & Plantation – A Civil War Era Plantation

Posted on May 3, 2021January 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

The Gamble Plantation is an obscure yet fascinating attraction showing the role Florida played in the Civil War and how slavery propped up the economy of the Confederacy.

The romanticized view of the old south belays the fact that the Gamble plantation was an economic failure.

How Pigeon Michigan Got Its Unique Name

Posted on May 1, 2021November 7, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Today Pigeon is the wind capital of Michigan. Once a rural railway stop for the Pontiac, Oxford, and Port Austin Railroad and Saginaw, Tuscola, Huron Railroad

Michigan Ghost Town in the Thumb – Port Crescent State Park

Posted on April 30, 2021November 15, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Port Crescent State Park, located in southern Michigan, was once a thriving lumber town before becoming a ghost town. Today, it offers outdoor activities and preserves a rich history, including remnants of its past, amid scenic natural beauty along Lake Huron.

Grindstone City’s Mr. Grindstone and Tourist Information Center

Posted on April 24, 2021January 14, 2022 by Michael Hardy

Grindstone City made a humorous attempt to get tourists driving by to stop and take a look and maybe take a selfie with Mr. Grindstone.