Eastern Upper Peninsula

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 »

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 »

March 30, 1977, marked a turning point for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. On this day, the U.S. Air Force announced that Kincheloe Air Force Base near Sault Ste. Marie would be closing, transferring its personnel and equipment elsewhere. For Chippewa, Mackinac, and Luce counties, this was more than just a military decision—it was an economic gut punch. With an annual payroll of $36 million, the base had long been the lifeblood of the region. Local officials, including Governor Bill Milliken, scrambled to reverse the decision, but the Pentagon had made up its mind. How it Began Kincheloe’s story began in 1941,… Read More »

A Wartime Feat of Engineering During World War II, as larger freighters carried vital ore for the war effort, it became clear that the aging Weitzel Lock in Sault Ste. Marie was no longer up to the task. While the St. Mary’s River had been dredged to 24 feet in the 1930s, the Poe and Sabin Locks could only handle vessels with a maximum draft of 20 feet. To keep crucial supplies moving, Congress approved the construction of a new, longer, and deeper lock on March 7, 1942. The new lock would be named The MacArthur Lock after General Douglas… Read More »

The Rise and Fall of Mackinac National Park When you think of national parks, places like Yellowstone or Yosemite probably come to mind. But did you know that America’s second national park wasn’t a vast wilderness out West, but rather a small island in Lake Huron in Northern Michigan? On March 3, 1875, Mackinac National Park was officially designated, just three years after Yellowstone. However, its time as a national park was short-lived, and in 1895, it transitioned to Michigan’s first state park. So what happened? Let’s dive into the history of Mackinac National Park and its lasting legacy. The… Read More »

County Seat St. Ignace, nestled along the northern shore of the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, holds the distinction of being the state’s second-oldest continuous settlement. Incorporated as a village on February 23, 1882, and later as a city in 1883, the city has a rich history that reflects the blend of Native American heritage, French exploration, and the dynamic fur trade economy. Today, it continues to serve as the county seat of Mackinac County and a cherished destination for heritage tourism. A Gateway Through Time The history dates back to 1671, when French Jesuit priest Jacques Marquette… 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 »

A Look Back at Sault Ste Marie’s 1898 Speed Limit Debate In 1898, the streets of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, bustled with activity, though not at the speeds we’re accustomed to today. That year, the city council decided it was time to put the brakes on “reckless” travel by setting a 6 miles per hour speed limit for all wheeled or “runnered” vehicles within city limits. However, what may seem like a mundane ordinance sparked an uproar—and some serious wit—from the Soo City Times, the town’s local newspaper. The Soo Times Editorial The Soo Times didn’t hold back in their… 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 »

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 »