On This Day in History

Boundaries, Battles, and the Birth of a Great State Happy Birthday, Michigan! On January 26, 1837, Michigan officially joined the United States as the 26th state. But before that milestone, the Wolverine State’s path to statehood was anything but straightforward. From territorial shifts to a boundary skirmish with neighboring Ohio, Michigan’s journey was filled with drama and diplomacy. Ultimately, a compromise not only paved the way for Michigan’s statehood but also shaped the unique geography that makes Michigan the only state with two distinct peninsulas. Before its statehood, Michigan was part of the Northwest Territory established by the Ordinance of… Read More »

Exploring the Magic Behind Michigan’s Favorite Cult Classic For many Michiganders, particularly those in the Upper Peninsula, “Escanaba in da Moonlight” is more than just a movie. Released on January 26, 2001, it is a slice of Yooper life brought to the big screen. Written by Michigan native Jeff Daniels, this cult classic captures the quirks, traditions, and humor of deer camp culture in Escanaba. With iconic locations, a dedicated local cast, and a hefty dose of Michigan pride, the film has cemented its place as a beloved part of U.P. lore. But what makes this film such a treasure?… Read More »

Celebrating the Great Lakes State On January 26, 1837, Michigan officially became the 26th state in the Union, and in 2004, the state celebrated its history, geography, and connection to the Great Lakes with the release of its commemorative quarter. Part of the United States Mint’s popular 50 State Quarters Program, Michigan’s coin design showcases the state’s outline and the Great Lakes system, proudly inscribed with “Great Lakes State.” From its inception to its final design, this coin tells a story of Michigan’s unique identity and its unbreakable ties to the largest freshwater system on Earth. The Michigan quarter was… Read More »

Grace Gilbert, born in 1876, gained fame as a circus performer known as ‘The Female Esau.’ From Ohio roots to Kalkaska, Michigan, her story is one of resilience, fame, and love in an era of curiosity and spectacle. The Captivating Story of Grace Gilbert In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, circuses were the height of entertainment, often showcasing “curiosities” to attract audiences. One of the most fascinating figures of the era was Grace Gilbert, born in Ohio in 1876 and later a Kalkaska resident. Grace, with her extraordinary hair growth, captivated the world as one of the first… Read More »

The Snowshoe Priest When you think of the rugged landscapes of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the image of a Slovenian priest trekking through snow-covered forests on snowshoes might not be the first thing that comes to mind. For 37 years, Frederic Baraga—fondly known as the “Snowshoe Priest”—dedicated his life to the spiritual and cultural enrichment of the Ottawa and Chippewa tribes. He also ministered to the immigrant communities of the region. His story is one of resilience, faith, and a relentless commitment to his mission. He earned the title “Apostle of the Lakelands” and, in recent years, the honor of being… Read More »

Capturing Michigan’s Frozen Beauty On January 18, 2020, Michigan’s stunning winter scenery took center stage. A new United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail Express stamp featuring the Grand Island Ice Caves was released. These breathtaking natural formations, located near Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, are renowned for their ever-changing ice curtains and stalactite-like icicles. These formations transform Grand Island’s sandstone cliffs into a magical winter wonderland. This stamp, designed by Greg Breeding and illustrated by Dan Cosgrove, immortalizes one of Michigan’s most picturesque winter travel destinations. Hiawatha National Forest Grand Island, part of the Hiawatha National Forest, sits just… Read More »

A Historic Look at Michigan’s Legendary Ski Destination Did you know Michigan is home to one of the oldest ski resorts in the United States? On January 16, 1937 Caberfae Ski Resort opened. Known for its stunning views, Scottish heritage, and innovative skiing features, Caberfae has transformed over the decades while retaining its charm and community focus. Caberfae’s Scottish Roots The name “Caberfae” means “Stag’s Head” in Scottish Gaelic. The land was named in 1919 by Kenneth MacKenzie, honoring both his ancestry and the abundance of deer herds in the area. The resort’s unique name adds to its allure, blending… Read More »

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 »