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.

How Michigan’s Poor Farms Shaped Social Care – Huron County Poor Farm’s 60-Year Legacy

Posted on September 10, 2024September 10, 2024 by Michael Hardy

The Huron County Poor Farm was built due to the 1830 Michigan law directing each county to build a poor house. It was on 200 acres located west of Bad Axe.

It operated until the start of Social Security in 1937.

The Way It Was – Charity Island Saginaw Bay Lighthouse Ruins 1993

Posted on September 2, 2024March 19, 2026 by Michael Hardy

This picture of Charity Island Michigan Ruins was taken in 1993, about the time Standish real estate broker Robert Wiltse and a group of investors bought the island for development.

The Great Michigan Flood of 1986: Mid-Michigan Disaster

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Michael Hardy

Few natural disasters have the impact of a flood. In hours entire communities can be forever changed. The Great Michigan Flood of 1986 affected the entire Mid-Michigan region. We take a look.

The Forlorn Pere Marquette Depot of Harbor Beach

Posted on July 24, 2024July 24, 2024 by Michael Hardy

In 1878, the Port Huron and Northwestern Railroad extended track from Port Huron to Sand Beach, aiding local economy. The railroad was crucial for transporting goods and later converted to standard gauge. Accidents and declining use led to discontinuation of rail services in 1995, with the historic depot repurposed for lodging.

Michigan’s Shore Indian Trail – Hull’s Trace & War of 1812

Posted on July 11, 2024January 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

The Shore Indian trail was one of the five major routes of land travel leading out of Detroit and one best known to the early settlers.

The trail begins from the rapids of the Maumee River to Toledo. It played a major role during the War of 1812.

What Is Michigan Known For? – 41 Unbelievable Trivia Tidbits

Posted on July 11, 2024April 27, 2026 by Michael Hardy

We found this set of amazing little tidbits of obscure trivia on what Michigan is known for in the automotive, shipping and transportation area. We are always hunting for others Michigan trivia, so I expect this list to grow well beyond these.

The Amazing History of Michigan’s Sebewaing Brewing Company

Posted on June 23, 2024June 23, 2024 by Michael Hardy

Sebewaing Brewing Company was a local Michigan beer company that served the Michigan Thumb market.

The brewery operated from 1880 to 1966. Today the cans, labels and paraphernalia are collectors’ items.

R. L. Gillingham Fish Company – Surprising Insights of Commerical Fishing at Bay Port 1896-1978

Posted on May 26, 2024April 20, 2025 by Michael Hardy

The R.L. Gillingham Fish Company, established in 1886, played a key role in Bay Port, Michigan’s development as a major commercial fishing port. Overcoming setbacks like a fire and economic challenges, the company left a lasting legacy. Today, its influence is evident in the Bay Port Historic Commercial Fishing District.