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. Clair Inn Celebrates 100 Years With Historic Tours, Prohibition Stories and Centennial Events

Posted on October 21, 2026October 21, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The historic St. Clair Inn celebrates its 100th anniversary in November 2026 with a guided history tour, public open house and gala along the St. Clair River.

History of Whitmore Lake Michigan – 17 Remarkable Views Show Life in the Early 1900s – Video

Posted on October 20, 2026October 31, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Whitmore Lake once welcomed vacationers by train, cut winter ice for shipment and hosted Michigan football camps. These seven episodes follow the hotels, swimming towers, dance halls and fires that changed the town.

Michigan History Sites: 409 Helpful, Essential Listings

Posted on October 13, 2026October 13, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Thumbwind Publications’ free Michigan History Site Index lists 409 historical organizations and independent history websites. Search by name, county, region or record type.

History of Willis Michigan – The Walbash Railroad Town Built on Milk, Farming and Main Street

Posted on October 9, 2026October 16, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Subtitle: A railroad station, a busy creamery, and the surrounding farms transformed Willis into an important agricultural center in Washtenaw

New Story Map Revisits the Great Thumb Fire of 1881

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

EGLE’s interactive history examines the wildfire that killed hundreds, displaced thousands, and launched the American Red Cross’ first major relief

History of Houghton Lake Village – 7 Remarkable Forces That Transformed Michigan’s Cottage Country

Posted on October 6, 2026October 31, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Houghton Lake began as a northern Michigan community shaped by logging and rough transportation. Historic street scenes show how automobiles, fishing camps, cottage resorts, stores and restaurants gradually changed the village into a vacation destination during the first half of the 20th century.

Munuscong Inn History 10 Remarkable Photos of a Resort Along the St. Mary’s River

Posted on October 5, 2026October 31, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Munuscong Inn history brings together a Thumb couple, fishing boats and passing Great Lakes steamers. This Michigan resort also offered gasoline and housed the local post office. Archival views trace its vacation years and its later role as Camp Conely beside the St. Marys River.

Clifford Michigan History – 12 Unseen Photos Tell A Story on Main Street

Posted on October 3, 2026October 31, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Clifford Michigan history follows a village shaped by roads, railroads and the farms around it. Historic photographs show its depot, creamery, blacksmith shops and Main Street during the shift from horses to automobiles. Read how transportation created a second business district and changed daily life in northern Lapeer County.

History of Pointe Aux Pins Michigan – 15 Vintage Photos Show How a Simple Lake Huron Dock Became a Summer Colony

Posted on September 29, 2026October 31, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Pointe Aux Pins on Bois Blanc Island grew from an 1880s steamer landing into a close-knit summer colony with a hotel, church, cottages, boardwalks, dog-sled mail and ferry service.

Ruth Michigan History – 7 Remarkable Stories From a Thumb Railroad Town

Posted on September 28, 2026October 31, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Rare photographs reveal Ruth, Michigan, when trains stopped at the depot, grain wagons crowded town, church bells rang and Main Street served Huron County farm families.