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 Ora Labora Experiment by Florence McKinnon Gwinn

Posted on December 26, 2019November 18, 2021 by Michael Hardy

The Ora Labora Experiment is an excerpt from a common historical document that has been scanned and re-published numerous times

Ora Labora 1863 – A Lost Colony in Michigan’s North – Part 2

Posted on April 12, 2019June 16, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Part II of the Ora Labora story outlines the summer of 1863. Building is rapid and progress exciting in Michigan’s north. But the looming effect of the Civil War is about to impact this fledgling German religious colony’s effort to bring their culture and traditions to the Great Lakes wilderness.

Michigan Prohibition – 16 Years Of Bootlegging At Huron’s Whiskey Harbor

Posted on March 2, 2019May 31, 2026 by Paul Austin

On the eastern edge of Michigan’s Thumb lies a lonely and very rocky cove on the shore of Lake Huron. The remote area sits on a layer of limestone that makes it hard to build on so it remains undeveloped to this day. It’s hard to imagine that this beautiful remote setting was the site for criminal activity during the time of Michigan Prohibition for over 12 years.

Ora Labora Colony – A Lost Community in Michigan’s North – Part 3

Posted on March 1, 2019November 18, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Part III of the Ora Labora story brings us to 1864. The rapid growth of the colony was costly and the society needs funds to grow. It was time for drastic measures. The raging war in the south was turning in the North’s favor and the colony was on borrowed time until the draft took effect.

Ora Labora Colony- Lost in Michigan’s North – Part 4

Posted on February 27, 2019November 18, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Part IV of the Ora Labora starts during Christmas 1864. The Colonies funds and provisions are low and its leader Emil Baur is begging his benefactors for loans to make it through the winter. With the war in its closing days the colonist are hopeful that a risky new venture will be profitable.

Capac Michigan’s Amazing Historical Museum and Railroad Depot

Posted on February 24, 2019April 15, 2025 by Michael Hardy

The Capac Railroad Depot is a bit off the beaten path. Situated east of Imlay City, it maintains the vibrant small town rural charm found in Michigan. The town is located between Port Huron and Flint. The historic railroad depot is also home to one of the finest small town museums in the region.

An Amazing Sebewaing Fishtown on Saginaw Bay 1878

Posted on January 24, 2019November 20, 2021 by Michael Hardy

An amazing article from 1878 describing a Fishtown on the ice near Sebewaing on Saginaw Bay.

Fort Gratiot Mi Lighthouse – Guarding Southern Lake Huron Since 1829

Posted on November 23, 2018March 19, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Fort Gratiot light was built in April 1829. It was situated north of an older tower light that has collapsed into the St. Clair river after a violent storm. The tower was constructed of brick to the height of 65 feet. In 1862 the height was increased to 82 feet to match the focal point of a new 4th order Fresnel lens.

Captain Aaron Peer Founded Grindstone City In 1834 And Began a New Industry

Posted on November 9, 2018April 6, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Peer is of the earliest settlers of Huron County, and is second to none in its business history, having begun the development of one of the resources of the county in 1834.

Port Hope Depot – Restored to 1900s Perfection

Posted on July 30, 2018February 4, 2022 by Michael Hardy

Today the Port Hope Depot has been exquisitely restored. You can see exhibits in the passenger waiting room, the station masters office, luggage and freight room. Each room has been painted to match the original color.