Before the Fireside – The Loud & Wild History of the Cartwheel Inn Port Austin
The Cartwheel Inn was an entertainment destination in Port Austin. Top bands and bikers from Detroit and Chicago would stop by for “fun.”
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 Shipwreck of the Steam Barge Osceola Off Port Crescent Michigan in 1887 Yielded In Some Massive Dough
The 1887 shipwreck of the steamer barge Osceola near Port Crescent revealed a chaotic aftermath, as locals salvaged flour that floated ashore, while rescue crews struggled to recover the stranded vessel. Eventually deemed a total loss, it was later salvaged and rebuilt.
The Logging Camps of Elkland Michigan
Author and local historian Mark Putman takes a journey back to the 1800s, an era of the land speculation, logging, and development of Elkland Michigan, and Cass City
Side Wheeler Steamboats – Exploring Their Impact on Michigan’s Saginaw River
Side-wheeler steamers were used across the Great Lakes well into the late 1800s. The East Saginaw and Bay City line ran on Michigan’s Saginaw River.
Michigan’s Deadliest Train Wreck – The 1901 Wabash Railway Disaster
The 1901 Wabash Railway disaster in Seneca, Michigan, resulted in over 90 deaths, largely among Italian immigrants. A collision caused by engineer miscommunication highlighted severe railway safety failures, sparking public outrage and demands for improved protocols to prevent future tragedies in early 20th-century rail travel.
Presidential Medal of Freedom Honors Michigan Roots and Global Leaders
President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals, including George Romney and Magic Johnson, recognizing their significant contributions in public service, sports, activism, and humanitarian work. The ceremony highlighted the impact of diverse leaders and the importance of unity in promoting American values.
1925’s Historic Aerial Newspaper Delivery: How Planes Connected Michigan’s Thumb During a Blizzard
In January 1925, the Port Huron Times launched Michigan’s first winter air delivery to the isolated Thumb region during a severe blizzard. It was likely the first time a military aricraft was used to delver newspapers.
It’s Easy To Find All 1,793 Michigan Historical Markers Across the State
Michigan’s historical markers are one of the oldest state programs in the country for denoting historical , geographic or cultural events and places of significance. A website provided by the Michigan DNR gives details on each and every one of them.