Tag: 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.

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

Posted on October 12, 2023April 3, 2025 by 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.

The Time When Bad Axe Almost Lost Its Name

Posted on October 11, 2023October 11, 2023 by Michael Hardy

In 1909 the Michigan state legislature changed the name of Bad Axe to Huron subject to a referendum of the voters of the city. That vote has yet to happen.

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

Posted on June 21, 2023October 29, 2024 by 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.

Great Lakes Shipbuilding in Saginaw Bay During the Lumber Era

Posted on June 4, 2023June 4, 2023 by 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.

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

Posted on November 14, 2022October 29, 2024 by 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.

Collection of Ora Labora Letters Discovered in Ohio

Posted on July 25, 2022July 25, 2022 by Michael Hardy

Archives of Michigan is now in possession of a collection of Ora Labora letters written in English and Old German by Emil and Bertha Baur and other family members. They were found in Cincinnati in 1974 and sent to the Historical Society of Michigan in 2018. They are in process of being prepared for availability online

These 12 Vintage Postcards Of Michigan Small Towns Tell Amazing Stories

Posted on April 27, 2022December 27, 2023 by Michael Hardy

Postcards are a window into the past. In the early 1900s, sending a postcard was like sharing a Facebook post. It seemed like everyone was doing it. We found some great examples of vintage postcards of Michigan small towns worth a quick peek.