Upper Peninsula History Conference

The ships that came to be known as “whalebacks” were the brainchild of maritime visionary Alexander McDougall. Fewer than 50 of the unique vessels were built—and two came to grief along Lake Superior’s “Shipwreck Coast.” Discover the stories of Barge 129 and the Sagamore, the details of their sinkings, and how they were ultimately discovered in Superior’s cold depths.

Inspired by the four-legged friends that grace the history of Michigan, this keynote will provide a glimpse at dogs in the Upper Peninsula from the late 1800s onward. From sled dogs that ran postal routes to faithful family companions, this session will offer anecdotes coupled with rich images. “Dogs at Work and Play” will show why these endearing creatures are man’s best friend— and one of his best muses!

Unlike the travels of Lewis and Clark, Marquette and Joliet, or LaSalle, the 1820 journey of Lewis Cass and his party has largely fallen from public memory. Cass’s expedition opened up millions of acres of land in the Upper Midwest—setting the stage for settlement and resource exploitation, as well as conflict with Native peoples. This presentation will offer a contextual view of the expedition, its participants, and its lasting impacts on the region’s environment and Indigenous peoples.