On This Day in History

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 »