On This Day in History

A Pioneer in Michigan’s Political and Social Landscape Cora Reynolds Anderson’s was born in L’Anse on April 10, 1882. Her journey from the remote Upper Peninsula to the Michigan House of Representatives marked a monumental shift in Michigan’s political landscape. Anderson grew up within a rich tapestry of English, French, and Chippewa heritage. Her upbringing would deeply influence her advocacy for public health and social justice. She was among the few women and Native Americans who pursued an education during her time. She eventual earned a teaching diploma at the Haskell Institute in Kansas. Anderson’s educational foundation shaped her life’s… Read More »

First to Ratify, First to Celebrate Prohibition was one of the most ambitious—and controversial—social experiments in American history. While it aimed to curb alcohol consumption and its perceived societal ills, it instead fueled crime, corruption, and an underground booze trade that made gangsters rich and law enforcement frustrated. Michigan played a unique role in both implementing and ending Prohibition, standing out as the first state to ratify the 21st Amendment, which repealed the national ban. Let’s dive into Michigan’s wild ride through its history with alcohol—both the dry years and the celebratory return of legal drinking. Michigan: The First to… 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 »

Michigan Chooses the American Robin as Its State Bird In 1931, Michigan officially adopted the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) as its state bird. The decision followed a vote organized by the Michigan Audubon Society. The Society declared the robin “the best known and best-loved of all the birds in the state.” While the robin had plenty of supporters, the journey to make it the official state bird wasn’t without controversy. The competition wasn’t over even after the decision was made. Back in 1929, more than 190,000 Michiganders participated in a state-wide contest to select their favorite bird. The robin and… Read More »

On April 8, 2002, the Michigan Legislature officially designated the mastodon (Mammut americanum) as the state fossil. This large, elephant-like creature is not only a key part of Michigan’s ancient past but also represents a unique chapter in North American history. The journey of the mastodon’s designation as Michigan’s state fossil is a story of community effort, scientific discovery, and the lasting legacy of these magnificent creatures. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the mastodon in Michigan. Look at the grassroots campaign that led to its official designation, and the lasting significance of this prehistoric animal in today’s… Read More »

Wexford County’s Decade-Long Fight for the County Seat The Battle of Manton, fought on April 5, 1882, was the dramatic conclusion to a decade-long struggle for Wexford County’s seat of government. It all started in 1881 when Manton became the county seat due to a compromise between Cadillac and Sherman, two neighboring towns that had fought bitterly over the honor. However, Cadillac residents were not ready to let go of their aspirations. In a county-wide vote on April 4, 1882, Cadillac triumphed, securing the coveted seat by a wide margin. This marked the beginning of the infamous Battle of Manton…. 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 »

From Authorization to Reality Last month, we highlighted March 3, 1931, as the day Congress authorized the establishment of Isle Royale National Park and the park’s history. But authorization was just the beginning. It wasn’t until April 3, 1940, that President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially designated Isle Royale as a national park. Why the delay? Like many things in government, the process was anything but simple. After Congress authorized the park, the government had to define its boundaries, acquire land, and put the necessary infrastructure in place. This took time, especially considering Isle Royale’s remote location and the interests of… Read More »

A Bold Experiment That Paid Off On April 2, 1966, a golden bucket full of coho salmon was ceremoniously poured into the Platte River in Benzie County, Michigan. It may have seemed like an ordinary wildlife release, but this moment marked the beginning of one of the most ambitious and successful fishery experiments in history. Howard Tanner, the Michigan Department of Conservation’s new fish chief, had a bold vision: introduce salmon to the Great Lakes to control invasive alewives and create a thriving sport fishery. What followed was nothing short of spectacular. Michigan Outdoors did an episode about the salmon… Read More »

March has seen some pivotal moments in Michigan’s history—shaping its landscapes, industries, and communities. Let’s take a journey through the noteworthy events that happened on this day in history throughout March. March in Northern Michigan History March 3, 1875 Just three years after Yellowstone became the first national park, Congress designated Mackinac Island as the nation’s second national park. When the military departed 20 years later, the park was transferred to the state, becoming Michigan’s first state park. March 3, 1931 Recognizing its rugged beauty and rich history, Congress authorized the establishment of Isle Royale National Park. By the early… 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 »

Michigan’s Legacy of Protecting Natural Resources On March 30, 1921, Michigan took a major step forward in the management and protection of its natural resources. The Michigan Legislature officially created the Department of Conservation, bringing together various agencies that had previously overseen forests, parks, fish, and wildlife. This move laid the foundation for what would later become the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Birth of Conservation in Michigan Before 1921, Michigan’s natural resources were managed by an assortment of commissions and officials, including the State Geological Survey, the Game and Fish Warden, and the Michigan Forestry Commission. While… Read More »