August in Northern Michigan isn’t just about sun-soaked shorelines and cherry harvests—it’s a month rich with fascinating stories from the past. From ambitious settlers and powerful treaties to underwater memorials and legendary lumberjacks, history left its mark all across the region during this warm and vibrant time of year. Here’s a look back at the events that shaped Augusts of years gone by.
August in Northern Michigan History
August 1, 1856 – Horton Bay Settled
Samuel Horton, with his family and the sailing vessel Rover, landed on the shores of what is now Horton Bay. As the first white settlers in the area, they set the stage for a community steeped in charm and history. Horton wore many hats—trader, justice of the peace, tonic maker—and his legacy lives on in a place that later charmed a young Ernest Hemingway.
August 1, 1911 – Michigan’s Flag Adopted
Michigan’s iconic blue flag with its detailed coat of arms was officially adopted on this day. It’s actually the state’s third flag—the first featured Governor Stevens T. Mason and has since vanished from record. The design we know today was championed by Caroline Campbell and made a historic debut at Gettysburg.
August 1, 1929 – First Eagle Scout Honor Guard at Fort Mackinac
Eight Eagle Scouts, including a young Gerald R. Ford, made history when they traveled to Mackinac Island to serve as honor guards at Fort Mackinac. Their journey launched a cherished tradition where scouts raise flags and welcome visitors each summer—a legacy of leadership and service that continues to this day.
August 3, 1795 – Chief Matchekewis Cedes Bois Blanc Island
As part of the Treaty of Greenville, Chief Matchekewis of the Chippewa nation ceded Bois Blanc Island to the United States—described as a “voluntary gift.” This followed the Native American defeat at Fallen Timbers and marked the beginning of sweeping territorial changes. Bois Blanc, or “Bob-Lo,” remains a peaceful and storied spot in the Straits of Mackinac.
August 4, 1814 – U.S. Attacks Mackinac Island
During the War of 1812, American troops attempted to recapture Mackinac Island from British control. The battle took place at present-day British Landing and ended in American defeat. Among the fallen was Major Andrew Holmes, a friend of Thomas Jefferson, whose death underscored the high cost of the failed assault. It would take the Treaty of Ghent to return the Fort to the United States.
August 4, 1929 – Ferry to Isle Royale Begins
Fisherman Charles Kauppi launched The Water Lily on August 4, 1929, offering the first passenger ferry from Copper Harbor to Isle Royale. The remote wilderness of the island became more accessible than ever before. His vision led to a near-century of ferry service, linking Michigan residents with the rugged beauty of their own island national park.
August 6, 1923 – Ariel’s Maiden Voyage Across the Straits
The wooden ferry Ariel made its first official trip carrying vehicles across the Straits of Mackinac on August 6, 1923. This marked the beginning of the state ferry service that would operate until the opening of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957. In that first season alone, Ariel carried over 10,000 vehicles.
August 9, 1842 – Sugar Island Becomes U.S. Territory
The Webster-Ashburton Treaty resolved border disputes between the U.S. and Great Britain, awarding Sugar Island (formerly St. George’s Island) to Michigan. This peaceful agreement clarified Great Lakes navigation routes and strengthened Anglo-American cooperation. Sugar Island, nestled in the St. Mary’s River, remains a tranquil part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Interesting fact, Sugar Island almost became the United Nations headquarters.
August 12, 1962 – Underwater Crucifix Lowered into Little Traverse Bay
An 11-foot Italian marble crucifix was submerged in the waters off Petoskey, honoring those lost in the Great Lakes. Originally a tribute to one man, it became a collective memorial. Each winter, when the ice is safe, visitors peer down through a viewing hole to glimpse the statue beneath the waves.
August 16, 1770 – Frontier Justice on Mackinac Island
An account in the Pennsylvania Gazette described a brutal episode of vigilante justice after a French trader was attacked by Indigenous people near Michilimackinac. Thirty traders took to canoes, cornered suspects, and enacted swift and deadly retaliation. The chilling report offers a raw look into the lawless realities of colonial-era Mackinac.
August 17, 1923 – The Vagabonds’ Camping Trip
Industrial titans Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and inventor Thomas Edison arrived in Escanaba aboard Ford’s yacht for a not-so-rugged camping trip. Complete with gourmet meals and film crews, the trip wasn’t exactly roughing it. But it was historic, especially when Firestone tested balloon tires in the U.P.’s rugged terrain.
August 18, 1926 – Traverse City Cherry Pie Sent to President Coolidge
Traverse City made national headlines when a 46-pound cherry pie was delivered to President Calvin Coolidge. Packed with 5,000 cherries, the massive dessert was driven cross-country by local resident Hugh Burkhart. Coolidge’s delight gave the region a sweet PR boost—and helped solidify its identity as the Cherry Capital of the World.
August 20, 1971 – Oscoda Claims Paul Bunyan’s Birthplace
Oscoda, Michigan, celebrated Paul Bunyan Festival in 1971 to declare itself the true hometown of the mythical lumberjack. Drawing from early tales published in the Oscoda Press, the city claimed Bunyan lore as part of its heritage. Today, Michigan’s many Bunyan statues and tall tales keep the legend alive.
August 21, 1984 – The Final Voyage of Chief Wawatam
After 73 years of faithful ferry service, the Chief Wawatam made her final trip across the Straits. She was the last hand-fired, coal-burning ferry on the Great Lakes. Her retirement closed a chapter in Michigan’s maritime history and marked the end of an era for freight and passenger travel.
August 26, 1889 – The Last Stagecoach Robbery East of the Mississippi
Outlaw Reimund Holzhey held up a coach carrying four bankers in Michigan’s western U.P., killing one passenger before fleeing. Dubbed the “Black Bart of the Upper Peninsula,” he was eventually captured and later became a model prisoner and respected photographer. The robbery was the last of its kind in the eastern U.S.
August 26, 1911 – The Launch of the Chief Wawatam
Designed by famed architect Frank E. Kirby, the Chief Wawatam was launched in Toledo and began her legacy as a powerful train and car ferry. She became a vital link between the peninsulas, breaking ice and hauling goods in all seasons. Her service would span more than seven decades before retirement.
From long-lost flags and fiery ferries to presidential cherry pies and mythical lumberjacks, August in Northern Michigan proves that history never takes a summer vacation. Whether you’re exploring the Upper Peninsula or relaxing on the coast, the stories from this month in history offer a deeper appreciation for the places we call home.
