About this episode

This episode explores the historical significance of the Pere Marquette docks in Arcadia, Michigan, and their role in the development of transportation and commerce in the region.

The Pere Marquette docks in Arcadia, Michigan, once connected a small Lake Michigan village to a much larger world. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we follow the story of the harbor, railroad and steamship network that helped shape Arcadia during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Through rare historic postcards and local history, we examine how the Pere Marquette Railroad, the Arcadia & Betsey River Railway and Great Lakes steamers worked together to move lumber, freight, passengers and manufactured goods through this busy harbor. What began as a lumber town grew into a transportation hub where trains met ships and local products reached markets across the Great Lakes region. You'll learn about Henry Starke's role in building Arcadia, the creation of the channel connecting Bar Lake to Lake Michigan, the rise of the Starke Land & Lumber Company, the devastating 1906 sawmill fire and the town's transition into furniture manufacturing. We also look at the steamers that regularly called at Arcadia's docks and the people whose daily lives revolved around the waterfront. This episode offers a fascinating look at a forgotten chapter of Michigan transportation…

Topics covered

• Michigan history
• Great Lakes shipping
• railroads
• steamships
• lumber towns
• vintage postcards

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pere Marquette Railroad, Arcadia & Betsey River Railway, Starke Land & Lumber Company

Places: Arcadia, Lake Michigan

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