Great Lakes News & Features

Pontiac’s War and Its Impact Pontiac’s War was a Native American effort to push back against British policies following the French and Indian War. Several tribes, including the Odawa and Ojibwe, coordinated attacks across the Great Lakes region. They besieged Detroit, overtook British outposts, and used clever tactics like a staged lacrosse game to capture Fort Michilimackinac. Leading the Resistance Pontiac, an Odawa chief near Detroit, helped organize the effort but was one of many leaders involved. The goal was to force the British east of the Appalachians and restore fair trade and diplomacy. This wasn’t about conquering colonies but about defending homelands and rights. Key Events and Strategies A council near Detroit coordinated attacks on British posts. A five-month siege held Detroit under pressure. The capture of Fort Michilimackinac involved a trick with a lacrosse game. The British faced heavy losses at the Battle of Bloody Run but kept control of Detroit. Efforts near Fort ...

Michigan is a state that is home to some of the most impressive natural and man-made attractions in the United States. With its vast expanse of the Great Lakes, towering structures, and bustling events, Michigan offers an abundance of experiences on a grand scale. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a sports fan, or a history buff, Michigan's extensive offerings cater to a wide range of interests. This article will delve into some of the most significant parks, lakes, stadiums, and cultural events that make Michigan an exceptional destination. The Beauty of Michigan's Shores Michigan is a state of great natural beauty, with an array of massive natural wonders that are sure to captivate any visitor. From the expansive shoreline of Lake Superior to the dramatic sand dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the stunning Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan's diverse landscapes offer a myriad of picturesque views. These iconic natural landmarks not only provide a serene ...

1844: The Inception of the First USS Michigan on the Great Lakes The USS Michigan, the United States Navy's maiden iron-hulled warship, was commissioned in August 1844. This vessel was not only a naval force but also a technical experiment, as it was the Navy's first attempt to use iron hulls and incorporate new construction techniques. The ship, built in Pittsburgh and reassembled in Erie, Pennsylvania, was 167 feet long, displaced 450 tons, and powered by side paddlers and sails. The USS Michigan was a grand naval spectacle on the Great Lakes, serving for sixty-eight years, marking the third-longest active service of any Navy vessel. Her primary duty was to patrol the extensive U.S. border with Canada, stretching from Niagara to Duluth. Throughout her service, the USS Michigan rescued numerous ships and hundreds of sailors, enforced law and order across the upper Great Lakes, and recruited thousands of sailors for the Navy. Constructing the USS Michigan - The Forefront of Nav...

At the turn of the 20th century, the crossroads village of Amble, Michigan , in northern Montcalm County, was alive with promise. Farmers came by wagon to trade at Hansen’s General Store, children filled the new schoolhouse, and Sunday bells rang from the 1st Methodist Episcopal Church. Today, little remains of Amble beyond a handful of houses and a faint name on old plat maps. But these three surviving photographs — a store, a school, and a church — reveal Amble Michigan history and the structure of small-town life that once thrived here. Video - Hansen’s General Store at Amble > Hansen’s General Store stood at the heart of Amble, Michigan, serving farmers and travelers alike. This early 1900s image captures small-town life before cars and highways reshaped Montcalm County. Hansen’s General Store: The Crossroads of Daily Life Hansen’s General Store, Amble, Michigan, circa 1905. Once the center of daily commerce and conversation. The first image shows Hansen’s General Store , likely...