August 21, 2025

Tag: History

Cass City Postcard 1930

Covering topics from early European colonization, fur trade, military history, the French and Indian War, Pontiac’s Rebellion, Michigan in the American Revolution, Michigan in the Civil War, lumbering and early tourism in Michigan.

History

Henry Schoolcraft Travels to Charity Island 1820

Henry Schoolcraft was asked to join an expedition organized by Governor Cass of Michigan in 1819. Its purpose was to locate the source of the Mississippi River’ and explore the Great Lakes region. As an expert mineralogist, he was tasked with describing Michigan’s significant topographical features, natural history, and mineral wealth. The expedition took approximately 40 men in five long voyageur canoes commonly used in the fur trade on the Great Lakes. At 35 feet long and 6 feet wide, the canoe had an amazing capacity of four tons. They started the journey on May 24, 1820.

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History / Ora Labora

Emil Baur Gave Relief to the Indians at Ora Labora After 1871 Great Fire

In October of 1871, a great forest fire swept across much of the Thumb region including the section of Michigan that included the lands of the former colony of Ora Labora. The colony was in the process of being disbanded and the lands sold off, but large holdings remained including some cabins and buildings. The colony’s benefactor and primary landowner, the Harmony Society immediately sent $200 for distribution among the needy.

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