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April in Michigan has been a month of bold decisions, historic milestones, and even a little bit of controversy. From the introduction of coho salmon that revolutionized the Great Lakes fishery to the dramatic Battle of Manton, April has seen its fair share of unforgettable events. Let’s take a look at some key moments on this day in Michigan’s History in April. April in Northern Michigan History April 2, 1966 – Coho Salmon Introduced Michigan made a bold move that changed the Great Lakes forever—introducing coho salmon in the Platte and other area rivers. This effort aimed to control invasive… Read More »

The Apple Blossom On April 28, 1897, Michigan officially adopted the apple blossom (Pyrus coronaria) as its state flower. The flower of the crabapple tree was chosen to represent Michigan’s vibrant agricultural heritage and the state’s deep ties to apple production. Known for its delicate pink and white blooms and sweet honeysuckle fragrance, the apple blossom has become a symbol of renewal and growth in the state of Michigan. The story behind the apple blossom’s selection dates back to a legislator named William Harris. Harris was inspired by the expansive apple orchard across from his home in Norwood, Michigan. Harris… Read More »

A Flight for the History Books On April 28, 1959, the waters of the Straits of Mackinac reflected the towering Mackinac Bridge, an engineering marvel connecting Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas. Drivers crossing the five-mile-long span that day had no idea they were about to witness one of the most daring (and unauthorized) aerial stunts in U.S. military history. High above, Air Force Captain John S. Lappo, piloting a Boeing B-47 Stratojet, had a wild idea—one that would cost him his wings but secure his place in aviation legend. Lappo wasn’t just any pilot. A Muskegon, Michigan, native and a… Read More »

Michigan’s Official Symbol for Clean Water On April 21, 2004, Michigan made a significant move to honor its abundant freshwater resources by designating the American lotus blossom (Nelumbo lutea) as the official symbol for clean water. Public Act 78 of 2004 officially recognized the lotus for its unique ability to thrive in Michigan’s freshwater environments while also naturally cleaning the waters it inhabits. The American lotus is the largest aquatic plant in North America, growing in the shallow, mucky waters around the Great Lakes. With its large yellow flowers and massive floating leaves, the lotus is a standout in Michigan’s… Read More »

A Mysterious Disaster That Shook Northern Michigan On April 19, 1973, the quiet, rural community of Williamsburg, located just a few miles from Traverse City in Northern Michigan, was suddenly thrust into a nightmare. Hundreds of craters and geysers erupted without warning, turning the peaceful village into a dangerous disaster zone. The eruption, caused by a natural gas leak from a nearby drilling operation, forced the evacuation of most of the town’s 450 residents, leaving them displaced for months. The aftermath of the event not only changed the lives of the people who lived there but also set the stage… Read More »

A Pioneer in Michigan’s Political and Social Landscape Cora Reynolds Anderson’s was born in L’Anse on April 10, 1882. Her journey from the remote Upper Peninsula to the Michigan House of Representatives marked a monumental shift in Michigan’s political landscape. Anderson grew up within a rich tapestry of English, French, and Chippewa heritage. Her upbringing would deeply influence her advocacy for public health and social justice. She was among the few women and Native Americans who pursued an education during her time. She eventual earned a teaching diploma at the Haskell Institute in Kansas. Anderson’s educational foundation shaped her life’s… Read More »

First to Ratify, First to Celebrate Prohibition was one of the most ambitious—and controversial—social experiments in American history. While it aimed to curb alcohol consumption and its perceived societal ills, it instead fueled crime, corruption, and an underground booze trade that made gangsters rich and law enforcement frustrated. Michigan played a unique role in both implementing and ending Prohibition, standing out as the first state to ratify the 21st Amendment, which repealed the national ban. Let’s dive into Michigan’s wild ride through its history with alcohol—both the dry years and the celebratory return of legal drinking. Michigan: The First to… Read More »

Alpena Business District Devastated On April 9, 1871, the city of Alpena experienced one of its most destructive disasters. A massive fire that consumed much of its business district. The fire started at the Guild and Clewey’s billiard saloon on the north shore of the Thunder Bay River. It quickly spread to Fletcher Street and down to 2nd Avenue. The result was the loss of several commercial buildings. The Star Hotel, Evergreen Hall, and Bolton and McRae’s store were total losses. At the time, Alpena was a growing community that had just incorporated as a city less than two weeks… Read More »

Michigan Chooses the American Robin as Its State Bird In 1931, Michigan officially adopted the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) as its state bird. The decision followed a vote organized by the Michigan Audubon Society. The Society declared the robin “the best known and best-loved of all the birds in the state.” While the robin had plenty of supporters, the journey to make it the official state bird wasn’t without controversy. The competition wasn’t over even after the decision was made. Back in 1929, more than 190,000 Michiganders participated in a state-wide contest to select their favorite bird. The robin and… Read More »

On April 8, 2002, the Michigan Legislature officially designated the mastodon (Mammut americanum) as the state fossil. This large, elephant-like creature is not only a key part of Michigan’s ancient past but also represents a unique chapter in North American history. The journey of the mastodon’s designation as Michigan’s state fossil is a story of community effort, scientific discovery, and the lasting legacy of these magnificent creatures. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the mastodon in Michigan. Look at the grassroots campaign that led to its official designation, and the lasting significance of this prehistoric animal in today’s… Read More »

Wexford County’s Decade-Long Fight for the County Seat The Battle of Manton, fought on April 5, 1882, was the dramatic conclusion to a decade-long struggle for Wexford County’s seat of government. It all started in 1881 when Manton became the county seat due to a compromise between Cadillac and Sherman, two neighboring towns that had fought bitterly over the honor. However, Cadillac residents were not ready to let go of their aspirations. In a county-wide vote on April 4, 1882, Cadillac triumphed, securing the coveted seat by a wide margin. This marked the beginning of the infamous Battle of Manton…. Read More »

The Fur Trade Matriarch of Mackinac Island The fur trade in Michigan was a rough-and-tumble business, dominated by men navigating the wilds for beaver pelts and profits. But Magdelaine LaFramboise defied the norms of her time, becoming one of the most successful traders in the Northwest Territory. Fluent in multiple languages, deeply connected to her Odawa heritage, and business-savvy enough to rival John Jacob Astor, she carved out a remarkable legacy that still echoes through history. And on this day in 1846, she passed away, leaving behind a story worth remembering. A Life of Strength and Strategy Magdelaine was born… Read More »