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.

Grand Lake History: 15 Remarkable Images Reveal Presque Isle’s Resort Boom

Posted on July 11, 2026July 11, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Grand Lake near Presque Isle, Michigan, was once valued for timber, cordwood, and access to Lake Huron shipping. By the

Davison Michigan History: 8 Rare Photos Show a Town on the Move

Posted on July 10, 2026July 11, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Eight rare photographs show Davison, Michigan, during an era shaped by railroads, brickmaking, local commerce, horse racing and the arrival of automobiles.

Bangor History Project Preserves Powerful Stories From 100 Years Of Local Life In West Michigan

Posted on July 7, 2026July 6, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The Bangor History Project is working to preserve old photos, records and stories that trace the Van Buren County city’s growth from timberland to railroad town.

Frankenmuth Walking Tour Offers Free Powerful Look At 14 Historic Stops

Posted on July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 by Michael Hardy

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. — Visitors to Frankenmuth can now use their phones to take a free self-guided historical Frankenmuth walking tour

Keweenaw County Historical Society Museums Mark Busy July Season In Upper Peninsula

Posted on July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The Keweenaw County Historical Society is continuing its 2026 museum season with eight historic sites, 11 museums and July events in Eagle Harbor, Phoenix and Copper Harbor.

History of Charlevoix Michigan – 21 Vintage Photos Show A Working Harbor Transformed To A Resort City On Three Lakes

Posted on July 5, 2026July 5, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The History of Charlevoix Michigan is more than a resort story. Pine River’s channel, working docks, steamship arrivals, railroad service, grand hotels and fishing trade turned a small harbor town into one of northern Michigan’s most memorable summer destinations.

1900s Small Town Michigan 4th of July – 13 Vintage Photos From a Lost Holiday Era

Posted on July 4, 2026July 5, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Early 1900s photos show how small-town Michigan celebrated the Fourth of July with parades, brass bands, horse races, decorated cars, church picnics and crowded Main Streets.

History of The Fishing Village of Leland Michigan – How Fishtown Kept Its Working Waterfront

Posted on July 1, 2026July 9, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Leland, Michigan evolved from a sawmill and iron-smelting town into one of Lake Michigan’s last commercial fishing villages. Its historic Fishtown, weathered docks and family fisheries continue to tell one of Michigan’s most remarkable waterfront stories.

History of Indian Beach & Indian Lake Michigan – The Resort Era West of Dowagiac

Posted on June 29, 2026July 5, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Indian Lake west of Dowagiac was once a busy resort district with trolleys, steamers, cottages, pavilions and packed summer beaches. Indian Beach and Wiest’s Resort show how Cass County families turned a rural lake into a seasonal gathering place.

History of Forestville, Michigan – The Huge 1800s Lake Huron Dock Town That Once Moved Timber, Fish and Families

Posted on June 28, 2026July 5, 2026 by Michael Hardy

he History of Forestville Michigan comes alive through rare photographs and vintage postcards that capture the village’s days as a thriving Lake Huron lumber port. Follow the rise of its docks, mills, businesses, and waterfront before changing times reshaped this small Michigan community.