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A History of Names, Settlers, and Struggles On this day in history, April 1, 1840, Michigan’s legislature created what was originally called Tonedagana County—later renamed Emmet County in 1843. From its deep Odawa roots to a brief period under Mormon rule, Emmet County’s past is filled with fascinating twists. Emmet County, one of Michigan’s northernmost counties, has a history as rich as its scenic landscapes. From its early days as an Odawa stronghold to its brief time under Mormon rule, the county has seen its fair share of change, controversy, and resilience. From Tonedagana to Emmet On April 1, 1840,… Read More »

A Wartime Feat of Engineering During World War II, as larger freighters carried vital ore for the war effort, it became clear that the aging Weitzel Lock in Sault Ste. Marie was no longer up to the task. While the St. Mary’s River had been dredged to 24 feet in the 1930s, the Poe and Sabin Locks could only handle vessels with a maximum draft of 20 feet. To keep crucial supplies moving, Congress approved the construction of a new, longer, and deeper lock on March 7, 1942. The new lock would be named The MacArthur Lock after General Douglas… Read More »

A Tall Tale of Timber and Tradition Michigan’s eastern white pine isn’t just a towering beauty—it’s a symbol of the state’s rich history. Officially designated as the state tree on March 4, 1955, this giant of the forest played a central role in Michigan’s logging boom, which made the state the national leader in lumber production during the late 19th century. The Eastern White Pine The eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) can reach heights of 150 feet and grow up to 40 inches in diameter. In Michigan’s early days, these massive trees covered vast stretches of land, particularly in the… Read More »

On this day in history, March 3, 1931, Congress authorized the establishment of Isle Royale National Park. The purpose was to preserve its rugged wilderness and deep historical roots. From ancient Indigenous copper mining dating back over 6,500 years to 19th-century fishing settlements and failed mining ventures, Isle Royale has long been a place of human resilience and natural beauty. Now a protected national park, its stories live on through preserved artifacts, historic sites, and even the shipwrecks resting beneath Lake Superior’s waters. A Storied Past in the Heart of Lake Superior Long before it became a national park, Isle… Read More »

The Rise and Fall of Mackinac National Park When you think of national parks, places like Yellowstone or Yosemite probably come to mind. But did you know that America’s second national park wasn’t a vast wilderness out West, but rather a small island in Lake Huron in Northern Michigan? On March 3, 1875, Mackinac National Park was officially designated, just three years after Yellowstone. However, its time as a national park was short-lived, and in 1895, it transitioned to Michigan’s first state park. So what happened? Let’s dive into the history of Mackinac National Park and its lasting legacy. The… Read More »