Tag: Great Lakes

A group of five freshwater lakes of central North America between the United States and Canada, including Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. The Great Lakes connect Midwestern ports with the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway.

First Female Lighthouse Keeper Michigan: The Untold Story of Catherine Shook

Posted on March 19, 2026March 19, 2026 by Malcom Mott

In 1849, Catherine Shook was appointed the first woman lighthouse keeper in the State of Michigan. She ran the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse until 1851.

Detroit Buffalo Steamship Travel – The Fierce 1902 Rate War on the Great Lakes

Posted on March 15, 2026March 15, 2026 by Michael Hardy

the Harbor Beach News from July 1902. It highlights a fare war between the railroads and the steamships on excursions between Buffalo, New York, and Detroit, Michigan. It signals a sign that it’s the beginning of the end of steamship dominance on the Great Lakes in favor of railroads.

History of Cheboygan Michigan – A River Town Between Timber and the Great Lakes (1840 – 1940) – Video

Posted on February 20, 2026April 14, 2026 by Michael Hardy

These early postcards capture Cheboygan when the riverfront did the heavy lifting. Steamships tied up at the dock, a canning plant and paper mill hummed nearby, and Main Street stayed crowded day after day. It’s a snapshot of a town built to move goods, not commuters.

John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company Headquarters 1817 – The Robert Stewart House – Video

Posted on January 27, 2026April 14, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The American Fur Company headquarters on Mackinac Island once controlled trade across the Great Lakes. Built in the early 1800s, it shaped Michigan’s economy, society, and role in early American capitalism.

History of Au Gres, Michigan – From Rich Native Lands to Charming Tourist Town (1890-1940)

Posted on December 16, 2025June 11, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The history of Au Gres, Michigan unfolds through rare photos and vivid storytelling. From Native fishing camps to sawmills and steamboats, this lakeside town’s past is rich with change, work, and water.

History of Saginaw Michigan – 9 Essential Turning Points That Built a Proud River City – Video

Posted on November 9, 2025November 9, 2025 by Michael Hardy

See how a river, a merger, and a shift from lumber to factories shaped Saginaw, Michigan. Bridges, phones, and the Hoyt Library mark a city learning new trades—and planning for the next season.

The Grindstone City Quarry – How this little town sharpened the world – Video

Posted on October 24, 2025July 11, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The Grindstone City Quarry powered a small Michigan town that shipped grindstones across the world. This straight-ahead story explains how it grew, why demand collapsed, and what visitors can still see on Lake Huron. A sharp look at a boom and a bust.

Top 5 Best Spots For Lake Michigan Camping – 2026 Guide

Posted on September 25, 2025August 4, 2026 by Katie Pierce

Lake Michigan is famous for its gorgeous beach towns, towering lighthouses, and exquisite surfing spots, and is one of the largest lakes in the world. There are numerous spots for Lake Michigan camping for casual tourists and experienced campers alike. In this post, we’ll discuss some must-visit campgrounds that you should add to your bucket list.