Why Lake Michigan Buried an Entire City in Sand

Support the Channel by becoming a member 👉    / @itshistory   Request an episode here 👉 https://forms.gle/siuafjjyP8iHjQ2MA In 1836, a New York investor named Oshea Wilder staked out a prime position at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River on Lake Michigan and declared it the future rival of Chicago. He named it Singapore, after the legendary trading port. Within a decade it had its own bank, currency, hotel, and three working sawmills — and by 1871, it was one of the most productive lumber operations on the Great Lakes. Then came the Great Chicago Fire, the clearcutting that followed, and a slow-motion catastrophe no one thought to stop: the sand dunes moved in. With the surrounding forests stripped bare, the dunes that had always flanked Singapore began advancing east at up to fifteen feet per year. Buildings were swallowed floor by floor. A fisherman retreated to the third floor of the old hotel as the sand climbed, then to the roof, then there was nothing left. By 1894 the last structure was gone — and no serious excavation has ever been conducted. Historians call it Michigan's Pompeii. This is its story. #ItsHistory #MichiganHistory #LostCities IT’S HISTORY - Weekly Tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.    • IT'S HISTORY 🔥 Trending   » Subscribe:    / @itshistory   » Listen podcasts: https://ffm.bio/itshistory » CONTACT For brands, agencies, and sponsorships: [email protected] Click here to book a sponsorship with me http://thoughtleaders.io/reserve/its-... » DISCLAIMER Some media elements in this video are used under the fair use provisions of U.S. copyright law (Title 17, Section 107) for purposes of commentary, criticism, and education. If you believe your image or content was used in a way that violates your rights, please contact us at [email protected] » CREDIT Scriptwriter - Ryan Socash Editor - Karolina Szwata Host - Ryan Socash » NOTICE Some images may be used for illustrative purposes only - always reflecting the accurate time frame and content. Events of factual error / mispronounced word/spelling mistakes - retractions will be published in this section.