December 3, 2023

Tag: Michigan History

Michigan Poets - Michigan History

This tag hints at articles and stories about Michigan history and the Michigan Thumb region. Michigan was part of the Northwest territory, and starting in 1815, the fur trade and influx of settlers and land speculators began.

By the time Michigan became a state in 1838, much of the southern third was already cris-crossed with improved Indian trails and initial roads. In a few short years, the lumbering era would begin, followed by the agriculture growth resulting from the cleared land.

History

The Evolving Story of White Rock – A Sacred Landmark in Michigan’s Thumb

Michael Hardy

Indigenous Peoples of Michigan, the Anishinabeg, view the White Rock on the edge of the Lake Huron shore as a sacred site. The rock was much, much larger than it appears today. (Which is 2019 is mostly underwater). The Indian ensured that fresh game and food items were placed on the site as an offering. Gitchie Manitou or Great Spirit would recognize the offering by the Anishinabeg as a token of thanks for the bounty and richness of the peninsula.

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History

Douglass Houghton Michigan Geologist — His ‘Rocky’ Life and Watery Death

Carla Bumsteadby Carla Bumstead

Ever heard of Douglass Houghton, the man who left an indelible mark on Michigan’s geology? Uncover the life and mysteries of the state’s first geologist whose passion led him to the rocky shores of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Dive into this gripping tale and discover how one man’s legacy continues to shape Michigan today.

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History

Native American Museums In Michigan – 9 Resources For Exploring Our Rich Cultural Heritage

Paul Austinby Paul Austin

Experience the profound legacy of Native American tribes in Michigan. Their vibrant cultural heritage echoes in every corner of the state, from the thriving agriculture to the dynamic art scene. We discovered Native American collections in nine Michigan museums that are worth a visit.

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History

Great Lakes Shipbuilding in Saginaw Bay During the Lumber Era

Michael Hardy

The times of greatest shipbuilding in the Great Lakes region was during the lumbering era. From 1839 until the early 1890s, the virgin old-growth Michigan forests were cut down to produce lumber for growing towns and cities in the lower Great Lakes. Michigan was the nation’s leading lumber producer from 1869 until about 1900. The only way to transport finished milled lumber from the shore side mills in the Great Lakes was by ship.

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History / Upper Thumb

Mystery of the Remains of An Michigan Indian Chief Found Near Bay Port In 1933

Michael Hardy

In the 1920s, there was a flurry of archaeological activity in Michigan to record and catalog Native American villages, garden beds, and burial mounds. As a result, the entire Saginaw Valley has 100s of identified sites. The identification, and looting, of Indian artifacts from burial mounds, was a common occurrence.

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