Central Upper Peninsula

Defending His Honor History has its share of courtroom drama, but few moments are quite as delightfully petty—and noble—as when former President Theodore Roosevelt rolled into Marquette, Michigan, on May 13, 1913, to defend his honor. The charge? He was a drunk and a liar—at least, that’s what George Newett, editor of the Iron Ore newspaper in Ishpeming, claimed. Roosevelt, never one to take things lying down (unless he was posing for a hunt), took legal action. The scene was set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where Roosevelt traveled specifically to testify in a libel suit he’d filed against Newett. The… Read More »

Lost to the Storm Lake Superior has a long, dark history of claiming ships, sailors, and stories—many of which remain mysteries beneath her cold waves. But on this day in history, May 13, 1899, the sinking of the Schooner Nelson was one of those stories was written in heartbreak and heavy weather. The schooner Nelson, a 199-foot, three-masted vessel built in 1866, sank near Grand Marais, Michigan, taking her entire crew, including the captain’s wife and infant child, down with her. The Nelson was being towed west by Captain White’s steamer alongside the Mary B. Mitchell. The ships were caught… Read More »

The Short-Lived County Name That Didn’t Stick March 19, 1863, the people of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula successfully petitioned to rename Bleeker County to Menominee County. If you’ve never heard of Bleeker County, you’re not alone. The county only existed for two years and four days before locals decided they weren’t too fond of the name. Menominee County (/məˈnɒməni/ mə-NAH-mə-nee) is a county located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,502. The county seat is Menominee. Bleeker County to Menominee County Originally created in 1861 from part of Delta County, Bleeker County was officially organized… Read More »

A Forgotten Chapter of WWII History February 12, 1944, marked the arrival of German soldiers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.), bringing a piece of World War II history to this remote and rugged region. Members of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Corps were transported across the Atlantic and the United States to POW camps such as Camp Evelyn and Camp Sidnaw. Eventually, approximately 1,000 German prisoners of war (POWs) would reside in five camps scattered across the U.P., with others sent to facilities in the Lower Peninsula. A Journey Across the Atlantic With Great Britain running out of space for… Read More »

The Day the Detroit Red Wings Played Hockey Behind Bars Detroit Red Wings Winter Classic: Red Wings vs. Marquette Prison Pirates In the winter of 1954, something truly extraordinary happened in Marquette, Michigan—a professional hockey game behind prison walls. The Detroit Red Wings return to play the first outdoor game in NHL history against the Marquette Branch Prison’s inmate team, the “Prison Pirates.” This story is a blend of sportsmanship, innovation, and a setting that’s as unconventional as it gets: a makeshift rink inside a prison courtyard. How it Began The tale begins with Red Wings General Manager Jack Adams… Read More »

The Snowshoe Priest When you think of the rugged landscapes of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the image of a Slovenian priest trekking through snow-covered forests on snowshoes might not be the first thing that comes to mind. For 37 years, Frederic Baraga—fondly known as the “Snowshoe Priest”—dedicated his life to the spiritual and cultural enrichment of the Ottawa and Chippewa tribes. He also ministered to the immigrant communities of the region. His story is one of resilience, faith, and a relentless commitment to his mission. He earned the title “Apostle of the Lakelands” and, in recent years, the honor of being… Read More »

Capturing Michigan’s Frozen Beauty On January 18, 2020, Michigan’s stunning winter scenery took center stage. A new United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail Express stamp featuring the Grand Island Ice Caves was released. These breathtaking natural formations, located near Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, are renowned for their ever-changing ice curtains and stalactite-like icicles. These formations transform Grand Island’s sandstone cliffs into a magical winter wonderland. This stamp, designed by Greg Breeding and illustrated by Dan Cosgrove, immortalizes one of Michigan’s most picturesque winter travel destinations. Hiawatha National Forest Grand Island, part of the Hiawatha National Forest, sits just… Read More »

A Boundary Dispute That Shaped Two States In the early 19th century, a peculiar conflict arose between Ohio and the Michigan Territory. Known as the Toledo War (1835–1836), or the Michigan–Ohio War, this dispute wasn’t a war in the traditional sense but rather a heated political and economic struggle over a sliver of land called the Toledo Strip. The Roots of the Conflict The dispute centered around the 468-square-mile Toledo Strip, which included the mouth of the Maumee River, a vital shipping hub, and fertile farmland to the west. Both Ohio and Michigan saw the area as essential to their… Read More »

A Tragic Maritime Disaster on Lake Superior On November 27-28, 1905, the Great Lakes were engulfed by the Mataafa Storm. This was a weather event that became a haunting reminder of nature’s ferocity. With its powerful winds and heavy snowfall, this storm led to the destruction of 29 ships and claimed the lives of 36 seamen. The economic impact was a staggering $3.567 million in shipping losses (in 1905 dollars). The storm was particularly infamous for the fate of the bulk carrier SS Mataafa, from which it derived its name. The Meteorological Conditions The storm system initially moved across the… Read More »

On a stormy evening in November 1953, a mystery unfolded over Lake Superior that continues to baffle historians and aviation enthusiasts alike. It began when an unexpected object appeared on the radar of a United States Air Force (USAF) facility. This prompted officials to dispatch two airmen to investigate. What transpired next remains one of the most enduring enigmas of aviation history. The Radar Detection The story started on November 23, 1953, at an Air Defense Command facility located on the U.S.-Canada border. Reports of the weather vary, with some accounts describing snowfall while others mention a stormy atmosphere. At… Read More »

The tale of the Edmund Fitzgerald stands as one of the most mysterious and controversial shipwreck stories of the Great Lakes, rivaled in cultural impact only by that of the Titanic. Since her tragic sinking on November 10, 1975, the Fitzgerald has inspired numerous narratives in books, films, and songs, most notably through Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting ballad, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” released in 1976. The Final Voyage The Edmund Fitzgerald met her fate on Lake Superior, approximately 17 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan, with all 29 crew members on board. Her last journey commenced on November 9,… Read More »

On November 1, 1966, a small town with a big name—Christmas, Michigan—made history when the U.S. Postal Service released its first Madonna and Child stamp. This release, centered on a 15th-century painting by Hans Memling titled Madonna and Child with Angels, marked a milestone for both the holiday season and American philately. The stamp, designed by Howard C. Mildner and modeled with exceptional detail, brought art and culture to the forefront of seasonal postage, quickly becoming a favorite across the country. A Record-Breaking Stamp The Madonna and Child stamp was immensely popular upon its release. Demand soared, leading the U.S…. Read More »