An ancient revered gathering and hunting place for Chippewa Indians becomes the modern home to one of the nation's largest Native American tribal-owned casino/resort complexes. A rough-and-tumble timbering center sees Michigan's first lumber millionaire plat a town, dedicating five acres for a county seat. Residents organize a private normal school for teacher training, to become Michigan's fourth-largest university, Central Michigan University. Hardworking immigrants carve farms, villages, and towns from the timbered-out wilderness near the center of the Michigan Lower Peninsula "mitten." From harvesting lumber above the ground to harvesting petroleum below the ground, the area ushers in an oil boom on time to be saved from the financial tribulations of the Great Depression. Incorporated in 1859, during the turbulent times just ahead of the Civil War and birth year of the United States oil industry, the area becomes a modern-day commerce center. This is the saga of Isabella County, told as the county celebrates 150 years of economic and cultural diversity.

Explore the spirits of Michigan's watering holes From the picturesque shores of Manistique to the crystalline waters of Diamond Lake in Cassopolis, Michigan overflows with pubs and bars swirling with chilling legends. The decrepit ghost of Wattie Mullins welcomes visitors into Coonan's Irish Hub. The spirit of a black-eyed girl has been spotted playing on the steps of the C-Pub at Canterbury Village, and her appearance has left many feeling shaken and stirred . A mysterious soul inhabits a bizarre doll at The Agitated Grape and comes alive when you least expect it. Local author and paranormal investigator Nicole Beauchamp leads this eerie literary road trip perfect for anyone who likes to eat, drink and be scary.

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