Archives

America’s Failed 1814 Invasion On this day in history—August 4, 1814—the quiet shores of Mackinac Island erupted with the sounds of war. Determined to reclaim the island from British control during the War of 1812, American forces launched an ambitious invasion that would ultimately end in defeat. The British had seized Mackinac Island two years earlier, in 1812. The Americans, smarting from the loss, devised a plan to take it back. The strategy: land troops on the island’s northwest shore and establish a foothold to “annoy and starve out” the British forces stationed at Fort Mackinac. Fleet from Detroit Under… Read More »

Treaty of Greenville On this day in history—August 3, 1795—Chippewa Chief Matchekewis ceded Bois Blanc Island to the United States as part of the Treaty of Greenville. Described as an “extra and voluntary gift of the Chippewa nation,” but the reality of the treaty came in the shadow of military defeat and expanding settler colonialism. Along with Bois Blanc, the treaty forced Native American tribes to give up most of present-day Ohio, part of Indiana, Mackinac Island, and sixteen strategic sites across Michigan. The Treaty of Greenville followed the Native American loss at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. General “Mad”… Read More »

Honoring Tradition On this day in history: August 1929 marked the beginning of a cherished Michigan tradition. Eight Eagle Scouts boarded a Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company steamship bound for Mackinac Island. Among them was a young Gerald Ford, who would one day become the 38th President of the United States. These Scouts were the very first to serve as honor guards and guides at the historic Fort Mackinac. This tradition continues to this day. That summer, Jerry Ford had just wrapped up his role on the staff at Camp Shawondossee when the opportunity of a lifetime arose. The Michigan… Read More »

When it comes to state flags, Michigan’s is more than just a blue field and some fancy heraldry. It is a patchwork of forgotten history, political pride, and a moose with very strong side-eye. On August 1, 1911, the Great Lakes State officially adopted the flag we know today, complete with its now-iconic coat of arms. But this wasn’t the first flag to represent Michigan. Far from it. In fact, the state has had three official flags. The stories behind the first two are as colorful as the designs themselves. A Flag with Wildlife—and Latin The current Michigan state flag… Read More »

Samuel Horton’s Unexpected Journey Some of the best stories in history begin with an unexpected turn. And that’s exactly how Horton Bay, Michigan, came to be. On this day, August 1, 1856, Samuel Horton arrived by sailboat on the shores of now named as Horton Bay. Traveling aboard a small flat-bottomed sailing vessel named the Rover. Horton had set out with nine people, including six of his daughters. They had a goal of reaching Grand Rapids. Supplies were low and they made a stop on a beautiful bay along Pine Lake—today’s Lake Charlevoix. Horton must have seen something special in… Read More »