News & Fun in Michigan
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.
Harbor Beach native Frank Murphy was a political heavyweight in the 1930s-1940’s. Frank Murphy was born in Harbor Beach Michigan in 1890. He was the 39th governor of Michigan and was on the United States Supreme Court. He was the voice of anti racist dissent against Japanese American Internment during WWII.
In the mid to late 1800s steamships traveling on the Great Lakes were the only way to get to most cities.
Cruising via paddlewheel steamer gave rise to our northern Michigan tourism industry and the start of the term “Going Up North” Prior to the railroads and automobiles.
George W. Jenks, a figure of significance in the Michigan Thumb region, lived a life intertwined with history. From his early days as a Civil War soldier to his prosperous business endeavors, Jenks made an indelible mark. This article delves into his life, highlighting his service and entrepreneurial spirit, providing insights into a fascinating chapter of Michigan’s past
We found Carl Heisterman’s life, a riveting story of a Prussian translator who shaped Michigan’s early days. From battlefields, founder of early Bay Port and political arenas, his journey is an amazing story of the diverse fabric of 19th-century America.
We explore the intriguing life of Jeremiah Jenks, a Michigan pioneer whose vision transformed the Thumb region. His story is a blend of entrepreneurship and community, shaping the very heart of Michigan’s history.
Caseville transformed from an industrial hub in the late 1800s, characterized by fishing and lumbering, to a modern tourist destination. Its economy shifted towards tourism, attracting visitors with beaches and events, while its industrial past remains evident in historical sites and buildings.
Until 1920, the day the circus arrived at the local train station was considered a sort of holiday.
The troop would parade through town on its way to the fair grounds to set up the Big Top.
The Great Lakes Storm of 1913, also known as the White Hurricane, was a catastrophic event that claimed 19 ships and resulted in over 248 fatalities. This severe blizzard, marked by hurricane-force winds and heavy snowfall, devastated areas around Lake Huron and Michigan’s Thumb, leading to significant changes in maritime safety and weather forecasting.
