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.

Bigfoot Sightings in Michigan – Cass River Video, Thumb Reports and New Cases

Posted on July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The Michigan Thumb newspaper Tuscola Today carried a story, “Bigfoot Roaming the Cass? Video Raises the Question.” on July 21. It shows a screenshot and short video clip of the alleged Sasquatch from a person kayaking on the Cass River.

Bigfoot sightings, while unique are not uncommon. The online newspaper the Sun reported that more than 10,000 people have insisted they’ve seen the mythical being over the past 50 years.

Glen Arbor Michigan History – From Lumber Camps to Sleeping Bear Tourism

Posted on July 7, 2026July 9, 2026 by Paul Austin

Step into the heart of northern Michigan with this stunning cinematic look at Glen Arbor. A montage from rare early 1900s photos, this short video showcases the charm, scenery, and rhythm of one of the most beloved towns along Lake Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

History of Charlevoix Michigan – 21 Vintage Photos Show A Working Harbor Transformed To A Resort City On Three Lakes

Posted on July 5, 2026July 5, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The History of Charlevoix Michigan is more than a resort story. Pine River’s channel, working docks, steamship arrivals, railroad service, grand hotels and fishing trade turned a small harbor town into one of northern Michigan’s most memorable summer destinations.

1900s Small Town Michigan 4th of July – 13 Vintage Photos From a Lost Holiday Era

Posted on July 4, 2026July 5, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Early 1900s photos show how small-town Michigan celebrated the Fourth of July with parades, brass bands, horse races, decorated cars, church picnics and crowded Main Streets.

Fort Drummond – Britain’s Last Stand In Michigan (1812 – 1828)

Posted on July 3, 2026July 3, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Fort Drummond Michigan was not just an old ruin on Drummond Island. It was a British military village that remained after the War of 1812, until surveys and politics forced Britain to leave in 1828.

History of The Fishing Village of Leland Michigan – How Fishtown Kept Its Working Waterfront

Posted on July 1, 2026July 9, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Leland, Michigan evolved from a sawmill and iron-smelting town into one of Lake Michigan’s last commercial fishing villages. Its historic Fishtown, weathered docks and family fisheries continue to tell one of Michigan’s most remarkable waterfront stories.

Uncovered Cross Village History – The Charming Lake Michigan Town That Once Aimed to Be a 2nd Chicago

Posted on July 1, 2026July 13, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Cross Village was never just a scenic stop near the Tunnel of Trees. Rare postcards show an Odawa homeland, a logging town, a mission center, a burned-out Main Street and the folk-art wonder of Legs Inn.

History of Indian Beach & Indian Lake Michigan – The Resort Era West of Dowagiac

Posted on June 29, 2026July 5, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Indian Lake west of Dowagiac was once a busy resort district with trolleys, steamers, cottages, pavilions and packed summer beaches. Indian Beach and Wiest’s Resort show how Cass County families turned a rural lake into a seasonal gathering place.