On This Day in History

A Look Back at Its Historical Roots On January 11, 1805, President Thomas Jefferson signed an act that marked a pivotal moment in Michigan’s history. By establishing Michigan as a separate territory, Jefferson carved it out of the Indiana Territory and set Detroit as its capital. This milestone began Michigan’s journey toward statehood and solidified its importance in the early expansion of the United States. From Fur Trade to Territory Long before Michigan became a territory, the region was dominated by the fur trade, Jesuit missions, and Native American communities. European powers—first the French, then the British—saw Michigan as a… Read More »

Meet Michigan’s State Reptile In 1995, the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) became Michigan’s official state reptile. But how did this sun-loving, shell-wearing resident of Michigan earn such a high honor? The answer lies in a group of determined fifth graders, a passion for turtles, and a splash of state pride. A Class Project with Big Impact Back in the early ‘90s, a group of fifth graders in Niles, Michigan, discovered something surprising: while 31 other states had designated official state reptiles, Michigan did not. Deciding to fill this reptilian void, the students rallied behind the painted turtle as their nominee…. Read More »

A Haunting Chapter in Northern Michigan History On a quiet winter evening, January 7, 1971, the residents of Charlevoix, Michigan, were jolted by a fiery explosion over Little Traverse Bay. A U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC) B-52C bomber, conducting a routine radar bomb scoring flight, tragically crashed into Lake Michigan. The disaster claimed the lives of all nine crew members aboard. It also came alarmingly close to the Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant. This incident not only left a scar on the local community but also raised critical questions about Cold War military practices and nuclear safety…. Read More »

Michigan’s Maverick Governor and Upper Peninsula Pioneer A Legacy of Reform and Resilience Chase Salmon Osborn (1860–1949) stands as one of Michigan’s most intriguing historical figures. The only governor from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (1911–1913), Osborn’s life was marked by his adventurous spirit, deep commitment to reform, and unconventional approach to politics. From prospecting for iron ore to shaping Michigan’s future, Osborn embodied resilience and innovation. From Indiana to Iron Hunting Born in a log house in Indiana, Osborn’s name paid homage to Salmon P. Chase, an abolitionist and Lincoln’s Treasury Secretary. He studied at Purdue University and began his career… Read More »

The Official State Game Mammal On June 11, 1997, Michigan officially designated the white-tailed deer (*Odocoileus virginianus*) as the state game mammal through Public Act 15. But this wasn’t just the work of lawmakers—it was thanks to the determination of a group of Zeeland fourth graders who successfully lobbied for the deer to receive this recognition. Their efforts highlighted what many Michiganders already knew: the white-tailed deer is an iconic part of the state’s natural heritage and a symbol of Michigan’s great outdoors. Why the White-Tailed Deer? Found in every county across Michigan, the white-tailed deer is more than just… Read More »

Emelia Schaub’s Remarkable Journey Emelia Christine Schaub (1891–1995) was more than just a lawyer; she was a pioneer who broke barriers for women in law and advocated for justice throughout her life. As Michigan’s first elected female prosecutor and the first woman in the U.S. to successfully defend a murder trial, her legacy resonates deeply in both the legal profession and her Leelanau County community Early Life and Roots in Leelanau County Born in 1891 in a log cabin in Centerville Township, Michigan, Emelia was the eldest of eight children. Her family, early settlers in Provemont (now Lake Leelanau), operated… Read More »

A History of Abolition and Reflection Michigan holds a unique place in history as the first English-speaking government to abolish the death penalty for ordinary crimes. This landmark decision, made by the state legislature in 1846, marked the beginning of a progressive stance against capital punishment. While the death penalty remained on the books for treason until 1963, Michigan has not executed anyone since it achieved statehood in 1837. A Brief History of Executions in Michigan From its earliest days as part of New France to its time under British and U.S. jurisdiction, Michigan saw 13 executions between 1683 and… Read More »

A Gem of Hockey History Nestled near the northern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the heart of “Copper Country” lies an unassuming yet legendary sheet of ice—the Calumet Colosseum. Built in 1913, this historic structure holds the title of the oldest continuously operating ice rink in North America. It serves as a living testament to the enduring love of hockey in this tight-knit community. A Rink Built for the Ages Construction of the Calumet Colosseum began in 1913, with its grand opening on January 1, 1914. Just five days later, the first game was played between two local teams:… Read More »

A Quirky Tradition That Keeps Language Fresh Since 1976, Lake Superior State University (LSSU) has kicked off every New Year with a beloved tradition: the Banished Words List. This lighthearted annual event takes aim at words and phrases that are overused, misused, or downright annoying, giving the world a fresh linguistic start. From “you know” to “user-friendly,” the list has banished hundreds of expressions. This is thanks to clever nominations from people around the globe. The tradition was born at a New Year’s Eve party in 1975 when LSSU’s Public Relations Director W.T. “Bill” Rabe and friends decided to compile… Read More »

December has witnessed pivotal moments in Michigan’s history, from groundbreaking legislation to the birth of notable figures. The month holds a special place in the state’s legacy, marked by transformative events and milestones. Events that shaped its cultural, political, and social landscape. Join us as we reflect on some of the most significant occurrences that happened on this day in December, from innovative transportation developments to extraordinary local events. December 7, 1945 In the summer and fall of 1945, former Michigan Governor Chase Osborn championed the vision of Sugar Island becoming home to the United Nations. The proposal was supported… Read More »

On New Year’s Eve of 1983, Fred Dakota opened The Pines, Michigan’s first Native American casino, in a two-car garage on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community reservation. Armed with determination and a $10,000 loan, Dakota created a makeshift gambling haven that would become a pivotal moment in the history of Native American gaming. The Spark: From Bingo to Casinos The journey began in the early 1980s when the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community sought ways to fund housing and other tribal needs. Elder Helene Walsh suggested adding casino gambling to the tribe’s bingo regulations, a move that went largely unnoticed by… Read More »

.A Toast to the End of Prohibition On December 30, 1933, Michigan celebrated the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter as the state’s first liquor stores opened their doors. This milestone came just ten days after the repeal of Prohibition. This marked Michigan’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s approach to alcohol regulation. Prohibition: A Dry Era for Michigan Prohibition, enforced from 1920 to 1933, made the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol illegal in the United States. Despite the restrictions, alcohol flowed clandestinely through bootlegging, speakeasies, and smuggling operations. This was especially prevalent in… Read More »