On This Day in History

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 »

 A Tragic Day in Michigan History On October 15, 1900, the quiet shores of Burt Lake in northern Michigan’s “Tip of the Mitt” region became the scene of a tragic and little-known chapter in American history. That morning, sheriff Fred Ming and his deputies, acting at the behest of a local land developer, burned down the Burt Lake Band’s village. The eviction, now referred to as the Burt Lake Burn-Out, forcibly displaced nineteen families of Ottawa and Chippewa heritage. The village, located on a peninsula known as Indian Point, had existed for centuries. Archaeological evidence shows pottery fragments and charcoal… Read More »

October in Northern Michigan is a month of vivid colors, crisp air, and a surprising number of historic milestones. From the rise of copper mining and political firsts to national parks, epic concerts, and feats of engineering, the stories of this month remind us that Michigan’s past is as rich and varied as its autumn landscapes. Here are some key events that shaped Northern Michigan history in October. October in Northern Michigan History October 3, 1980 – Somewhere in Time Premiers The movie Somewhere in Time, filmed on Mackinac Island, opened in theaters nationwide. Starring Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, and… Read More »

Douglass Houghton and Michigan’s Copper Discovery On this day in history, October 14, 1845 Dr. Douglass Houghton died at just 36 years old. He was Michigan’s pioneering state geologist and the man often called the “father of copper mining in the United States.” In 1840, Houghton conducted a detailed survey of the Upper Peninsula’s mineral resources. His 1841 report included more than 27 pages on copper and copper ore, famously noting that “the copper ores are not only of superior quality, but also that their associations are such as to render them easily reduced.” He even observed that the ore… Read More »

It’s not every day that a rock band becomes part of high school history, but for Cadillac, Michigan, that day came in October 1975. KISS, the larger-than-life rockers known for their makeup, platform boots, and fiery performances, visited Cadillac High School for an unforgettable homecoming. The story began a year earlier when the CHS Vikings football team turned to the band’s music to turn their season around—and it worked. KISS In 1974, the Vikings, coming off a perfect season, hit a rough patch with two early losses. Assistant coach Jim Neff suggested playing KISS in the locker room, pointing out… 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 »

On October 15, 1966, Congress designated this area as a National Lakeshore, making Pictured Rocks the very first in the nation. It wasn’t formally established as a unit of the National Park System until October 6, 1972. This stunning stretch of Michigan wilderness, with its towering sandstone cliffs painted in vibrant mineral hues, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and old-growth forests, was officially recognized as a place worth protecting forever. Humans have called this area home for more than 10,000 years. The Anishinaabe people, the original inhabitants, continue to live on and care for the land. They carried forward deep traditions tied… Read More »

On October 6, 1969, the world lost Walter Hagen—a man who didn’t just play golf, he redefined it. Known as the “father of professional golf,” Hagen’s story was one part athletic brilliance, one part champagne-soaked legend. He was the first athlete to earn over a million dollars playing a sport. Whether he was raising a club or a glass, he made sure people remembered it. Born in 1892 in Rochester, New York, Hagen burst onto the golf scene by winning the U.S. Open in 1914. He won it again in 1919. But he truly made history in 1922 when he… Read More »

On this day in history, Stevens T. Mason was elected the State of Michigan’s first state governor at the age of 23. He is remembered as the “Boy Governor,” Stevens T. Mason’s remarkable political story started when he was appointed acting territorial secretary at just 19 years old by President Andrew Jackson. His youth, determination, and ambition made him a defining figure in Michigan’s journey from territory to statehood. Politics In His Blood Born in 1811, Mason had politics in his blood. His father, John Mason, was appointed territorial secretary by Jackson. When Jackson sent the elder Mason to Mexico… Read More »

On October 3, 1980, the romantic fantasy film Somewhere in Time opened in theaters nationwide. Though the critics may not have loved it, moviegoers and Mackinac Island fans certainly did. Over the years, this movie has transformed from a modest box office release into a beloved cult classic—with Mackinac Island at the heart of its story. Filming took place at the iconic Grand Hotel and the Mission Point Fine Arts building, once part of Mackinac College and now the Mission Point Resort. A few scenes were also shot in Chicago, but Mackinac Island truly steals the show, with its timeless… Read More »

September has always been a month of transformation and milestones in Northern Michigan. From early explorations and territorial changes to the founding of schools and traditions that still thrive today, this month captures a rich slice of the region’s story. Whether it’s the peaceful transfer of Mackinac Island to American control or the birth of beloved fairs and institutions, September’s history reflects the resilience, innovation, and community spirit that define Northern Michigan. September in Northern Michigan History September 1, 1796 – Mackinac Island becomes part of U.S. On this day, British forces finally evacuated Fort Mackinac after holding it for… Read More »

Going to the Fair, Going to the Fair, Going to the Northwest Michigan Fair Every year, thousands flock to the Northwestern Michigan Fair to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Northern Michigan’s agricultural heritage. But how did this beloved event begin? On this day in history, September 29, 1908, the very first official Northwestern Michigan Fair opened its gates. This marked the start of a tradition that has lasted more than a century. The inaugural fair ran from September 29 through October 2, 1908. Admission was priced at just twenty-five cents per day. The first annual premium book featured… Read More »