True Tales

What Were Pioneer Days Really Like in the U.P.?


The combination of mining, maritime and lumbering history created a culture in the U.P. that is unique to the Midwest. Discover true stories of the rough and dangerous times of the Upper Peninsula frontier that are as enjoyable as they are educational. You'll find no conventional romantic or whitewashed history here. Instead, you will be astonished by the true hardships and facets of trying to settle a frontier sandwiched among the three Great Lakes.


These pages are populated by Native Americans and the European immigrants, looking for their personal promised land-whether to raise families, avoid the law, start a new life or just get rich... no matter what it took. Mineral hunters, outlaws, men of honor creating civilization out of wilderness and the women of strength that accompanied them, the Upper Peninsula called to all. Among the eye-opening stories, you'll find True Tales includes:
Dan Seavey, the infamous pirate based out of Escanaba
Angelique Mott, who was marooned with her husband on Isle Royale for 9 months with just a handful of provisions and no weapons or tools
Vigilantes who broke up the notorious sex trafficking rings--protected by stockades, gunmen, and feral dogs--in Seney, Sac Bay, Ewen, Trout Creek, Ontonagon and Bruce Crossing
Klaus L. Hamringa, the lightkeeper hero who received a commendation of valor for saving the crews of the Monarch and Kiowa shipwrecks
The strange story of stagecoach robber Reimund (Black Bart) Holzhey
The whimsical tale of how Christmas, Michigan got its moniker
The backstories of famous pioneers, such as Peter White, George Shiras III, Governor Chase Osborn and many others
"This book is a gold mine of vacation possibilities, providing dozens of fascinating little-known facts about many of the innumerable attractions found in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. While most would agree that there exists no more interesting place to explore than Michigan's U.P., the way Mikel describes the individual points of interest exponentially enhances the qualities of each attraction. With the aid of a near countless parade of carefully selected historical images, Mikel paints a picture the reader will not ever forget." -- Michael Carrier, author of Murder on Sugar Island (Jack Handler mysteries)


"Romantic ideas of the pioneer days in Michigan's Upper Peninsula will fade quickly as these true tales of lawless, rugged, wild-weather, difficult times before about 1900 are perused. Laws were few, enforcement was scarce, violent events were often, and shipwrecks were many. However, opportunities to be a hero were as numerous and wonderful life-saving deeds of kindness and compassion are recorded in these pages as well. Classen does history an excellent service by revealing the truth. Sometimes we think humanity has advanced little. An attitude quickly challenged in these pages. Readers will feel gratitude for all they have today after finishing these tales."

--Carolyn Wilhelm, MA, Midwest Book Review


"Classen accomplished what he set out to do--provide readers with interesting and true tales about the U.P. He did not romanticize the history and told bold facts to enlighten the reader. The U.P. was uncharted territory with harsh beginnings. Captains battled terrible storms while sailing on Lake Superior. Corrupt entrepreneurs made money off the suffering of young women. Classen rang bells for unsung heroes. Much can be learned about Chase Osborn's efforts-the man who became the first governor of Michigan from the U.P. and Peter White, founder of Marquette. So much can be learned by reading Classen's book. It is highly recommended."

--Sharon Brunner, U.P. Book Review


Learn more at MikelBClassen.com

From Modern History Press