Detroit architect Louis Kamper and the City Beautiful
He designed hundreds of buildings, including some of the most conspicuous commercial buildings and spectacular mansions during Detroit’s Gilded Age from the 1890s through the 1920s.
Michigan History
Stories and photos about people, places and events from Michigan's past
The Detroit News
Slaughtered to extinction: Passenger pigeons in Michigan
September 1, 2014 marked the hundredth anniversary of the death of the passenger pigeon Martha, the last known living member of her species.
Lewis Cass, the titan of Michigan's early years
There may be no greater figure in Michigan’s history than Lewis Cass. He served for 18 years as governor, longer than any other. He wrote the state motto, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you.” He designed the state seal.
The Renaissance man who envisioned Grand Boulevard
Bela Hubbard made his mark on Detroit, as a geologist, lumber baron, land agent, lawyer, farmer and historian. His lasting imprint is Grand Boulevard, inspired by his trips to Paris.
The Fisher brothers' magnificent building
Architect Albert Kahn’s early version for the Fisher Building included three skyscrapers. He settled for a single tower, 28 stories high, that would become his masterpiece.
Capitol Park: Where's Detroit's past and future intersect
You might not notice Capitol Park, even if you were in it: It’s a tiny, triangular wedge with a few benches and monuments, largely concrete, tucked behind the Westin Book Cadillac.
Detroit's early auto giants: Daredevils and mad mechanics
Charles B. King may have been the first on Detroit streets with a gasoline powered motor carriage, but as early as the 1880s Detroit’s mechanics, machinists, engineers and amateur tinkers were all feverishly working on some version of a steam, electric or gasoline powered contraption.
Golden memory: Michigan skater wins Olympic medal, meets Beatles
Terry McDermott didn’t view himself as anyone all that special. And this mop-topped rock ‘n’ roll band from England? Well, he was only faintly aware of their budding stardom.
Drunken Historical Society brewing up the past
By Neal Rubin / The Detroit News In the good old days, you could make a compelling case that beer was better for you than water. We’re talking about the mid-1800s, a time when only the richest individuals or finest hotels had indoor toilets. So there was a trade-off, but still: “Water could be tainted … Continue Reading →
'Remember the Maine!' Michigan men fight in the Spanish-American War
The Spanish-American War was the shortest war in U.S. history, a mere 10 months from declaration to surrender in 1898. It pitted the up-and-coming international power, the United States, against a faded Spanish empire, which after nearly 400 years saw its colonies break free until it was down to Cuba, the Philippines, and the tiny … Continue Reading →
