On This Day in History

Nick Baumgartner is a name that rings loud in the world of snowboarding. Did you know that his roots are deeply tied to Iron Rive? Iron River is where this Olympic champion proudly calls home. Known as the #BlueCollarOlympian, Baumgartner is not just a professional snowboarder. When he’s not soaring down the slopes he’s also a concrete worker. The 40-year-old’s journey to Olympic glory has been marked by grit, perseverance, and the heart of a true Michigander. Making History In 2022, Baumgartner made history when he earned his first Olympic gold medal in the inaugural mixed team snowboard cross event… Read More »

How Michigan Became British In 1763, a momentous treaty changed the trajectory of Michigan and North America as a whole. The Treaty of Paris, signed on February 10, 1763, officially ended the Seven Years’ War (commonly known in America as the French and Indian War). It marked the transfer of Michigan and all French territory east of the Mississippi River to British control. What seemed like a major victory for the British Empire carried long-term consequences that sowed the seeds of conflict in North America. The Seven Years’ War began as a territorial dispute over the Ohio River Valley, pitting… Read More »

Snow, Snowballs, and Snow Angels at Michigan Tech February 10, 2006, will forever be remembered as the day Michigan Technological University (MTU) made winter history breaking three world records. Amid the Keweenaw Peninsula’s notoriously cold and snowy conditions, MTU capitalized on the weather to set three world records in one unforgettable event. With the help of students, faculty, staff, and local kids, Michigan Tech’s Sherman Field became the stage for a series of winter feats that showcased the community’s enthusiasm and creativity. The day began with a snowball fight for the ages. A whopping 3,084 participants threw themselves into the… Read More »

2,228 Snowmen Built in One Hour When temperatures dipped into the single digits on February 10, 2018, Michigan Technological University faced a unique challenge. Could a group of dedicated students, faculty, and community members defy the odds and break a Guinness World Record? The answer was a resounding “yes”! They shattered the record for the most snowmen built in one hour. They crafted a world record of a total of 2,228 snowmen. This beat the previous record of 2,036 set in Japan back in 2015. The event, aptly named “Snowman Left Behind,” took place at Sherman Field on the Michigan… Read More »

From Small-Town Michigan to Grammy Glory In the picturesque town of Frankfort, just 40 miles west of Traverse City, something extraordinary happened on February 10, 2013. The usually tranquil community of about 1,200 residents buzzed with excitement. One of their own, Andrew Dost, was up for six Grammys with his band, Fun. The momentous occasion was celebrated with a red-carpet event at the Garden Theatre. Locals gathered to cheer on the hometown hero and his bandmates, Nate Ruess and Jack Antonoff, as they vied for music’s most prestigious awards. The Garden Theatre turned into the epicenter of celebration that evening…. 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 »

A Stunning Tribute to Nature On February 7, 2018, coin enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs gathered in Munising, Michigan, to celebrate the release of a truly special quarter. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore quarter, part of the U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters Program, was officially launched.  This quarter was the first coin release of 2018 and the 41st in the program. This stunning coin honors the breathtaking beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It features the iconic Chapel Rock sandstone formation and its resilient white pine tree. A sight to behold in both nature… Read More »

The Brook Trout Its Journey to Recognition Michigan is a state known for its rich natural beauty. The many lakes, rivers, and streams are home to a variety of fish species. Among them is the Brook trout, a fish celebrated for its vivid colors, gameness, and delectable flavor. Did you know the Brook trout wasn’t always Michigan’s official state fish? Back in 1965, lawmakers designated “the trout” as the state fish, but they didn’t specify which of Michigan’s four trout species deserved the title. This led to a quirky legislative journey that finally crowned the brook trout as Michigan’s official… Read More »

The Day the Detroit Red Wings Played Hockey Behind Bars Detroit Red Wings Winter Classic: Red Wings vs. Marquette Prison Pirates In the winter of 1954, something truly extraordinary happened in Marquette, Michigan—a professional hockey game behind prison walls. The Detroit Red Wings return to play the first outdoor game in NHL history against the Marquette Branch Prison’s inmate team, the “Prison Pirates.” This story is a blend of sportsmanship, innovation, and a setting that’s as unconventional as it gets: a makeshift rink inside a prison courtyard. How it Began The tale begins with Red Wings General Manager Jack Adams… Read More »

January is a month brimming with historical significance for Michigan. From groundbreaking legislative changes to remarkable feats of progress and cultural milestones, these events highlight the resilience, creativity, and determination of Michiganders across the centuries. Whether it’s the abolition of capital punishment, the establishment of iconic landmarks, or even quirky cultural contributions, each date in January tells a story worth celebrating. Let’s journey through the key January moments in Michigan’s history that have made this winter month unforgettable. January in Northern Michigan History January 1, 1847 Did you know Michigan was the first state in the U.S. to abolish capital… Read More »

At the Edge of Michigan’s Wilderness Lies a Forgotten Piece of Space History Tucked away at the tip of Michigan’s northernmost peninsula, beyond the paved roads and bustling towns, lies an unexpected relic of the Space Age. The Keweenaw Rocket Range, once a hub of meteorological and atmospheric research, whispers of a time when Michigan reached for the stars. Between 1964 and 1971, this secluded launch site on the shores of Lake Superior played a key role in the United States’ quest to understand weather patterns, solar X-rays, and electron activity in the atmosphere. The first Michigan-made rocket to reach… 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 »