On This Day in History

A Legacy in Clay In the world of American ceramics, few names carry the weight of Mary Chase Perry Stratton. Born March 15, 1867 in Hancock, Michigan, she transformed a love of art and craftsmanship into one of the most enduring legacies in architectural ceramics: Pewabic Pottery. From her early days exploring the Upper Peninsula’s copper mines to her later years shaping Detroit’s artistic landscape, Stratton’s impact on ceramic arts is impossible to ignore. Her artistic journey began in Detroit, where she took her first formal art classes before heading to the Art Academy of Cincinnati. There, she studied under… Read More »

Michigan’s Northernmost Gem with a Rich Past On this day in history, Keweenaw County was officially organized. The copper rush that shaped Michigan’s northernmost county was in full swing and folks came to work! Keweenaw County, a rugged and beautiful stretch of the Upper Peninsula, saw thousands of miners, investors, and adventurers flock to its shores in the 1840s in search of valuable copper. While the industry has faded, its rich history lives on in the region’s preserved mining towns, maritime landmarks, and stunning landscapes. Tucked away in the rugged Upper Peninsula, Keweenaw County is Michigan’s northernmost and least populated… Read More »

A History of Names, Settlers, and Struggles On this day in history, April 1, 1840, Michigan’s legislature created what was originally called Tonedagana County—later renamed Emmet County in 1843. From its deep Odawa roots to a brief period under Mormon rule, Emmet County’s past is filled with fascinating twists. Emmet County, one of Michigan’s northernmost counties, has a history as rich as its scenic landscapes. From its early days as an Odawa stronghold to its brief time under Mormon rule, the county has seen its fair share of change, controversy, and resilience. From Tonedagana to Emmet On April 1, 1840,… 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 »

A Tall Tale of Timber and Tradition Michigan’s eastern white pine isn’t just a towering beauty—it’s a symbol of the state’s rich history. Officially designated as the state tree on March 4, 1955, this giant of the forest played a central role in Michigan’s logging boom, which made the state the national leader in lumber production during the late 19th century. The Eastern White Pine The eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) can reach heights of 150 feet and grow up to 40 inches in diameter. In Michigan’s early days, these massive trees covered vast stretches of land, particularly in the… Read More »

On this day in history, March 3, 1931, Congress authorized the establishment of Isle Royale National Park. The purpose was to preserve its rugged wilderness and deep historical roots. From ancient Indigenous copper mining dating back over 6,500 years to 19th-century fishing settlements and failed mining ventures, Isle Royale has long been a place of human resilience and natural beauty. Now a protected national park, its stories live on through preserved artifacts, historic sites, and even the shipwrecks resting beneath Lake Superior’s waters. A Storied Past in the Heart of Lake Superior Long before it became a national park, Isle… 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 »

February is a month steeped in history for Northern Michigan with many significant events. From record-breaking cold temperatures to groundbreaking world records. From the birth of legendary figures to the signing of important treaties. February is a month full of milestones that have shaped the area. Whether it’s the triumphs in sports or key moments in Michigan’s history, this month’s remarkable stories help make Northern Michigan so unique. February in Northern Michigan History February 2, 1954 The Detroit Red Wings, fresh off a promotional tour of the Upper Peninsula, returned to play the first outdoor game in NHL history against… 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 »

Ski Jumps and Slopes In the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies a small town with big history: Ishpeming. Known as the “birthplace of organized skiing in America,” Ishpeming’s legacy is steeped in snow, speed, and soaring ski jumps. If you’re a fan of winter sports, this is a story you’ll want to hear. It all began on February 21, 1905, when ski enthusiasts from Ishpeming, Minneapolis, Red Wing, and Eau Claire gathered to form the National Ski Association. This groundbreaking meeting was led by Carl Tellefsen, a Norwegian immigrant and founder of the Ishpeming Ski Club. Tellefsen, an early… Read More »

Michigan’s Hidden Treasure Did you know Michigan is home to a gemstone so unique it can’t be found anywhere else in the world? Meet chlorastrolite, also called Isle Royale greenstone. With its striking starburst patterns and turtle-shell-like appearance, it’s no wonder Chlorastrolite was named the “official state gem” of Michigan with Public Act 56 of 1972. Thanks to the passionate efforts of the lapidary community and a signature from Governor William G. Milliken, chlorastrolite secured its place in Michigan’s history and hearts. Let’s dive into what makes this gemstone so extraordinary and how it came to symbolize our Great Lakes… Read More »

The Gipper Few athletes leave a legacy so enduring that their name becomes synonymous with inspiration. George Gipp, affectionately known as “The Gipper,” is one of those rare figures. Born on February 18, 1895, in Laurium, Michigan, on the Keweenaw Peninsula, Gipp’s story is one of raw talent, grit, and a little bit of myth-making. Gipp rose from humble beginnings to become one of Notre Dame’s most celebrated athletes. George Gipp initially enrolled at Notre Dame with dreams of playing baseball. Gipp caught the eye of the legendary coach Knute Rockne, who convinced him to join the football team despite… Read More »