On This Day in History

A British Stronghold in Early American Michigan Located on the western end of Drummond Island in Michigan’s Whitney Bay is Fort Drummond. The fort has also been known as Fort Colyer or Fort Collier and holds a unique place in American history. Established in 1815 by British forces, Fort Drummond was built on American soil post-War of 1812, following the Treaty of Ghent. Despite being listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Michigan State Historic Site, the fort is currently private property, and only a few remnants like stone chimneys remain. The Fort’s Beginnings Fort Drummond’s… Read More »

The Royal Connection of Northern Michigan Tucked away in the serene St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Leelanau County lies an unexpected yet fascinating piece of European history. His Imperial and Royal Highness Archduke Stefan of Austria, Prince of Hungary, Bohemia, and Tuscany, rests beside his former wife, Mary Jerrine Soper. In this remote Northern Michigan cemetery is a connection to royalty that many are surprised to discover. A Life of Royal Heritage and American Roots Born on August 15, 1932, in the suburban community of Mödling, Vienna, Archduke Stefan was the eldest son of Archduke Anton of Austria and Princess Ileana… Read More »

The tale of the Edmund Fitzgerald stands as one of the most mysterious and controversial shipwreck stories of the Great Lakes, rivaled in cultural impact only by that of the Titanic. Since her tragic sinking on November 10, 1975, the Fitzgerald has inspired numerous narratives in books, films, and songs, most notably through Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting ballad, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” released in 1976. The Final Voyage The Edmund Fitzgerald met her fate on Lake Superior, approximately 17 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan, with all 29 crew members on board. Her last journey commenced on November 9,… Read More »

On November 1, 1966, a small town with a big name—Christmas, Michigan—made history when the U.S. Postal Service released its first Madonna and Child stamp. This release, centered on a 15th-century painting by Hans Memling titled Madonna and Child with Angels, marked a milestone for both the holiday season and American philately. The stamp, designed by Howard C. Mildner and modeled with exceptional detail, brought art and culture to the forefront of seasonal postage, quickly becoming a favorite across the country. A Record-Breaking Stamp The Madonna and Child stamp was immensely popular upon its release. Demand soared, leading the U.S…. Read More »

Michigan’s experience with time changes has evolved significantly over the years, shaped by a mixture of federal legislation, state referendums, and unique local decisions. Here’s how the state transitioned from adopting its first time standard in the late 1800s to aligning with today’s nationwide observance of Daylight Saving Time (DST). Timeline of Time Observance in Michigan 1883 On October 11, U.S. and Canadian railroads adopt standardized time zones at the General Time Convention in Chicago. A second meeting, the Southern Time Convention, occurs in New York on October 17. 1884 Twenty-four global standard time zones are established by the International… Read More »

An Iconic Engineering Marvel On November 1, 1957, the Mackinac Bridge officially opened to traffic, marking a monumental achievement in engineering despite the many challenges posed by the turbulent Straits of Mackinac. Spanning an impressive 26,372 feet, this iconic bridge connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas and stands as a testament to human ingenuity and determination. The Specs Its total length is 5 miles, or 26,372 feet. The main towers rise 552 feet above the water. The roadway sits 199 feet above the water at midspan. There are 42,000 miles of wire in the main cables. The cables weigh 11,840… Read More »

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the State of Superior The idea of a “State of Superior”, a proposed 51st state has been discussed for decades. The goal is to create a separate state for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.). Named for Lake Superior, this theoretical state would draw boundaries around the U.P. It could potentially include parts of northern Wisconsin, northern Michigan, and even parts of Minnesota. The idea is inspired by cultural differences, geographic separation from the Lower Peninsula. The belief among Upper Peninsula residents is that their distinct needs are often overlooked by Michigan’s political leaders. Early Concepts of Separation… Read More »

A Winter Transportation Tradition On November 3, 1972, residents of Mackinac Island made a historic decision by voting to allow snowmobiles on the island. This marked a significant moment as it was the first instance of any motor-powered vehicle being permitted since 1949, despite the island’s well-known ban on cars. Mackinac Island, which relies primarily on horse-drawn carriages and bicycles for transportation, has a unique approach to winter mobility, allowing snowmobiles only during the snowy months for local use. A Car-Free Island with a Rich History Mackinac Island has a long-standing ban on automobiles that dates back to the late… Read More »

A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy in Michigan Cora Reynolds Anderson was born on April 10, 1882, in L’Anse, Michigan. With her mixed heritage of English, French, and Chippewa ancestry, she grew up immersed in the unique culture of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Anderson’s early education, a rarity for women and Native Americans in her time, began in local public schools and continued at the Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas, where she earned a teacher’s diploma. This educational background shaped her future as an advocate for community health and social welfare. Returning to Michigan, she taught at the Zeba Mission School… Read More »

October 3, 1980 The movie Somewhere in Time Premieres. The movie was filmed in 1979 on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel. The film starred Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour as the main characters. Blending romance, science fiction, and drama, Somewhere In Time captured the timelessness, sweeping landscapes, and intrinsic beauty of Mackinac Island. The Island created an unforgettable backdrop for the story.  October 5, 1835 Stevens T. Mason was elected as Michigan’s first governor at the young age of 23. He also served as a territorial governor. Stevens T. Mason, known as the ‘Boy Governor,’ was appointed as acting… Read More »

Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula is steeped in ghostly tales, from haunted lighthouses and inns to eerie forests and islands. These historic locations hide chilling stories of tragic deaths, paranormal encounters, and spirits that refuse to rest. Northeast Lower Peninsula Old Presque Isle Lighthouse After George Parris died, his widow saw an impossible light glowing from the disconnected lantern room. Many believe it’s George’s way of keeping the lighthouse’s spirit alive. Anchor Inn (Houghton Lake) Paranormal investigators have reported shadowy figures, moving objects, and even a vortex at the front of this 100-year-old building. Pere Cheney (Roscommon) This ghost town is… Read More »

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a place of natural beauty. But be careful, lurking within its forests, historic sites, and lonely trails are tales of hauntings that send shivers down the spine. From ghostly apparitions to mysterious lights, the U.P.’s paranormal stories span the region, each with its own eerie flavor. Western Upper Peninsula Paulding Lights Near Watersmeet, the Paulding Lights have been spotted since 1966. Some believe the glow is the lantern of a long-dead railroad brakeman. Others think it’s the spirit of a lost mail carrier or a Native American dancing in the night. Whatever the cause,… Read More »