Michigan once paid people to kill rats and bring the heads to local clerks for a cash bounty. The bizarre law stayed on the books until 2000.
The Massive 1883 Grand Rapids Log Jam
In 1883, heavy rains unleashed 150 million board feet of timber into the Grand River, creating one of the largest log jams in American history right through downtown Grand Rapids.
Before GPS: Michigan’s Giant Concrete Arrows Guided Airplanes
Long before GPS, giant concrete arrows guided airmail pilots across Michigan. Discover the forgotten navigation system that helped shape early aviation.
How a Milk Spill in Michigan Changed Driving Forever
Michigan helped introduce painted center lines on roads after a simple milk wagon spill inspired one of the most important traffic safety ideas in history.
June 23 in History: The First SAT Exam, “Batman” Hits Theaters, and Apple Unveils the Power Mac
On June 23 in history, the first SAT exam was given, “Batman” premiered in theaters, a deadly Lake Michigan plane crash occurred, and Michigan’s famous escaped python Big Sid made headlines. (READ MORE)
June 1, 1879: The Day Grand Rapids Fired the Boys and Hired the Girls
Grand Rapids telephone companies replaced boy switchboard operators with women in 1879 after complaints that the boys were leaving their posts to play marbles.
May 22, 2011: The Video That Tried To Prove Grand Rapids Wasn’t Dying
After Grand Rapids was called a “dying city” in 2011, thousands of people joined together to create the massive Grand Rapids LipDub video in response.