Northeast Lower Peninsula

Standing proudly at the mouth of the Thunder Bay River is the Alpena Light—affectionately known as “Little Red” or the “Thunder Bay River Lighthouse”. The light has guided ships in and out of Alpena’s harbor for more than a century. While it may not be the tallest or most ornate of Michigan’s lighthouses, this small, bright red beacon holds a big place in the region’s maritime story. Lighting the Way for Alpena’s Lumber Industry The history of the Alpena Light is closely tied to the rise of the local timber industry. As Alpena boomed in the mid-1800s, the Thunder Bay… Read More »

Tragedy, Survival, and Rebuilding in Presque Isle County On this day in history, October 15, 1908, a series of massive fires swept through the pine forests of Presque Isle County, Michigan. Fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, the flames spread rapidly, engulfing the village of Metz. The fire continued eastward, threatening Rogers City, reaching the outskirts of Alpena, and even jumping across Grand Lake before finally burning out along the Lake Huron shore. While it became known as “The Metz Fire” due to its severe impact on the village, its destruction extended far beyond Metz itself. The Detroit &… Read More »

On October 7, 2000, Thunder Bay made waves in history when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officially designated it as the first National Marine Sanctuary in the Great Lakes and 13th in the nation. Known as “Shipwreck Alley,” this stretch of Lake Huron off Alpena, Michigan, has claimed hundreds of vessels over the past two centuries—some lost to fierce storms, others to heavy fog, rocky shoals, or Thunder Bay Island itself. What was once a mariner’s nightmare is now a diver’s dream and a historian’s treasure chest. 116 Shipwrecks Thunder Bay’s reputation for danger began early. Its location… Read More »

🚗🚢 Michigan’s First State Ferry Service Ariel made her maiden voyage Before the Mackinac Bridge connected Michigan’s peninsulas, crossing the Straits of Mackinac was a challenge. This was true especially for the growing number of automobile owners in the early 20th century. On July 31, 1923, the State of Michigan stepped in to solve this problem by launching a state-operated ferry service. The ferry service would soon become an essential lifeline for travelers and commerce alike. A week after the service was officially established, on August 6, 1923, the first car ferry—the wooden-hulled Ariel—made her maiden voyage across the straits…. 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 »

A Lumberman’s Gift That Built a Military Legacy Camp Grayling was officially founded July 20, 1913—thanks to the foresight and generosity of Grayling lumber baron Rasmus Hanson. What began as a gift of land to the State of Michigan has since grown into the largest National Guard training facility in the United States. Rasmus Hanson understood the importance of national defense and believed Michigan’s vast northern forests could serve a greater purpose beyond logging. He donated land near Grayling to the state specifically for military training, laying the foundation for what would become Camp Grayling. By 1914, troops began arriving… Read More »

Mio records record temperature of 112 degrees In the middle of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, the summer of 1936 brought with it an unforgiving heat wave that left much of North America sweltering. And on July 13, 1936, a small Northern Michigan town etched its name into the weather history books. That day, Mio, Michigan—tucked in the Au Sable River valley—hit an unbearable 112 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the record for Michigan’s hottest day. 🌞 And Mio wasn’t alone. That same day, Saginaw sizzled at 111°F, while other cities weren’t far behind: Kalamazoo – 109°F Grand Rapids –… Read More »

Up in Flames In the early days of Alpena, Michigan, the booming lumber industry brought both prosperity and danger. The city’s rapid growth, wooden structures, and proximity to sawdust-laden mills made it a tinderbox waiting for a spark. That spark came on July 12, 1872, when a catastrophic fire consumed the heart of Alpena, leaving destruction and resilience in its wake. Fire of 1871 Just over a year earlier, Alpena had officially incorporated as a city on March 29, 1871. Within weeks, fire struck the business district on the north shore of the Thunder Bay River, prompting the formation of… Read More »

Game, Set, Surprise History is full of battles fought with muskets, swords, and strategy. But, every now and then, a lacrosse stick plays a role too. Read more about the Ojibwe capture of Fort Michilimackinac. On June 2, 1763, a sunny spring day at Fort Michilimackinac turned into a pivotal moment in Pontiac’s Rebellion. The fort is perched on the northern edge of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. British soldiers stationed at the fort were relaxed and unsuspecting. They were enjoying watching a friendly game of baggatiway (an early form of lacrosse) played by local Ojibwe warriors outside the gates. But this… Read More »

Alpena Business District Devastated On April 9, 1871, the city of Alpena experienced one of its most destructive disasters. A massive fire that consumed much of its business district. The fire started at the Guild and Clewey’s billiard saloon on the north shore of the Thunder Bay River. It quickly spread to Fletcher Street and down to 2nd Avenue. The result was the loss of several commercial buildings. The Star Hotel, Evergreen Hall, and Bolton and McRae’s store were total losses. At the time, Alpena was a growing community that had just incorporated as a city less than two weeks… Read More »

A Journey Through History and Nature The North Central State Trail in Michigan is more than just a pathway through the state’s scenic landscapes; it’s a journey through history, following the tracks of the once-bustling Michigan Central Railroad. This 74.9-mile trail stretches from Waters to Mackinaw City, winding through some of Michigan’s most beautiful scenery and welcoming communities. Today, this historic rail line has transformed into a beloved recreational trail, offering activities for all seasons. A Glimpse into Railroad History Established in 1882 by the Michigan Central Railroad, the rail line that is now the North Central State Trail was… Read More »

Where the Cold Rewrote State History Nestled in the heart of Otsego County, Vanderbilt is a quaint village with a big claim to fame. While its 2020 population of just 498 might suggest a sleepy town, Vanderbilt is anything but ordinary. It was here, on February 9, 1934, that Michigan experienced its coldest recorded temperature: a bone-chilling −51°F (−46°C). Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating history behind this frosty feat and the town that holds the title. A Snapshot of Vanderbilt’s History Vanderbilt’s story began in 1875 when the Michigan Central Railroad planned to extend north from Gaylord…. Read More »