Eastern Upper Peninsula

Michigan’s Maverick Governor and Upper Peninsula Pioneer A Legacy of Reform and Resilience Chase Salmon Osborn (1860–1949) stands as one of Michigan’s most intriguing historical figures. The only governor from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (1911–1913), Osborn’s life was marked by his adventurous spirit, deep commitment to reform, and unconventional approach to politics. From prospecting for iron ore to shaping Michigan’s future, Osborn embodied resilience and innovation. From Indiana to Iron Hunting Born in a log house in Indiana, Osborn’s name paid homage to Salmon P. Chase, an abolitionist and Lincoln’s Treasury Secretary. He studied at Purdue University and began his career… Read More »

A Quirky Tradition That Keeps Language Fresh Since 1976, Lake Superior State University (LSSU) has kicked off every New Year with a beloved tradition: the Banished Words List. This lighthearted annual event takes aim at words and phrases that are overused, misused, or downright annoying, giving the world a fresh linguistic start. From “you know” to “user-friendly,” the list has banished hundreds of expressions. This is thanks to clever nominations from people around the globe. The tradition was born at a New Year’s Eve party in 1975 when LSSU’s Public Relations Director W.T. “Bill” Rabe and friends decided to compile… Read More »

On July 18, 1815, Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island returned to American control after three years under British occupation during the War of 1812. This event was a direct outcome of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war and restored pre-war boundaries. The reoccupation marked a turning point for the region and symbolized a new chapter of peace and U.S. sovereignty in the Great Lakes. The War of 1812 and the Capture of Fort Mackinac During the War of 1812, British forces captured Fort Mackinac in the war’s first skirmish, taking advantage of its lightly defended position. The British… 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 »

From Boom to Farewell: The Story of the Soo Line Railroad On this day in 1887, the Soo Line Railroad, officially the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad, reached Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This milestone marked a transformative moment for the Northwoods, connecting the region to the outside world year-round, even during the frozen grip of winter. Formed in 1884, the Soo Line primarily served as a freight railroad but also brought passenger services to the Northwoods. With its Laker passenger train, the Soo Line offered residents access to Minneapolis-St. Paul and connections to Chicago, making it an… Read More »

A Vision for Global Diplomacy on Sugar Island In the aftermath of World War II, as the League of Nations gave way to the newly formed United Nations. At that time discussions began about where this global organization’s headquarters would be located. Among the many proposals, a surprising contender emerged: Sugar Island, located in the St. Marys River between Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Ontario. Sugar Island’s Bid for the UN Headquarters In the summer and fall of 1945, former Michigan Governor Chase Osborn championed the vision of Sugar Island becoming home to the United Nations. Supported by the twin… 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 November 1, 1973, Michigan celebrated a significant milestone in its transportation history with the completion of Interstate 75 (I-75). Stretching 395 miles from the Ohio border near Toledo to Sault Ste. Marie, I-75 stands as the longest expressway in Michigan and one of the most important highways in the state. This vital corridor connects the southern and northern regions of Michigan, making road trips and travel across the state faster and more convenient. The Journey to Completion The journey to completing I-75 began in 1957, when construction crews broke ground on this ambitious project. By 1959, signs marking 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 »

A British Stronghold in Early American Michigan Located on the western end of Drummond Island in Michigan’s Whitney Bay is Fort Drummond. The fort has also been known as Fort Colyer or Fort Collier and holds a unique place in American history. Established in 1815 by British forces, Fort Drummond was built on American soil post-War of 1812, following the Treaty of Ghent. Despite being listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Michigan State Historic Site, the fort is currently private property, and only a few remnants like stone chimneys remain. The Fort’s Beginnings Fort Drummond’s… Read More »

An Iconic Engineering Marvel On November 1, 1957, the Mackinac Bridge officially opened to traffic, marking a monumental achievement in engineering despite the many challenges posed by the turbulent Straits of Mackinac. Spanning an impressive 26,372 feet, this iconic bridge connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas and stands as a testament to human ingenuity and determination. The Specs Its total length is 5 miles, or 26,372 feet. The main towers rise 552 feet above the water. The roadway sits 199 feet above the water at midspan. There are 42,000 miles of wire in the main cables. The cables weigh 11,840… Read More »

A Winter Transportation Tradition On November 3, 1972, residents of Mackinac Island made a historic decision by voting to allow snowmobiles on the island. This marked a significant moment as it was the first instance of any motor-powered vehicle being permitted since 1949, despite the island’s well-known ban on cars. Mackinac Island, which relies primarily on horse-drawn carriages and bicycles for transportation, has a unique approach to winter mobility, allowing snowmobiles only during the snowy months for local use. A Car-Free Island with a Rich History Mackinac Island has a long-standing ban on automobiles that dates back to the late… Read More »