W. R. Maki has a beautiful slideshow of the western end of the U.P. in his gallery. More often than not, when traveling on Military Hill (US 45), you can spot one of these regal creatures just as it appears in this photo. Probably looking for some dinner, but I prefer to think of them as guarding the road for us travelers.

Military Hill is the subject of today's history lesson..... The origin of the name Military Hill goes back to 1864, when Abe Lincoln commissioned the Military Road from Green Bay, to Fort Wilkins, in Copper Harbor, as a military highway to secure copper supplies for the Union Forces. There is a historical marker located in a valley which offers a picturesque view of the Ontonagon River. The road is now known as US 45, and serves as one of the main highways in Ontonagon County.

Don't worry there won't be a test on this lesson!

Never saw an eagle when traveling the Military Hill (45) but came close to hitting a deer...more often than not you are more apt to see them instead of the birds! Years ago, when traveling to Ontonagon as I was going down the Military hill, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a deer on the bank of the road, running in the same direction. I started slowing down as one never knows what they will do, and sure enough just as I came to a stop, he ran across the road, a whisper from the hood of my car!! I had a '69 Mustang at the time, so was extremely relieved that I did not hit it!!

Many years ago, on my way home from Wakefield, it was snowing hard and I was trying to get up enough speed going down the one side of Military Hill to make it up the other. As I approached the summit on the other side, out of the darkness and into my headlights flew a snowy owl with a wingspan of at least 6 feet. He barely missed the windshield and had I been 5 years older, would have had a heart attack. Maybe he thought I was in a Volkswagen, but as he got closer, realized he couldn't pick up a '55 Buick.

On my way back from Ontonogan going home to Iron Mountain one bright sunny afternoon back when K.I. Sawyer was still an active Air Force base I had a close encounter with a B-52 as I was descending Military Hill (45). I pulled over and watched as the ancient bomber was a few hundred feet above the river valley heading west when suddenly it made a sweeping 180 degree turn before it got to the highway bridge. Must have forgot something back at the base, but what a beautiful sight to behold.

Hi all. Nothing to do with todays great picture, but was looking through some of the albums and see that the old fire station in Calumet is now a museum and apparently has been so for quite a while. Does anyone know--first of all why the building was abandoned as a fire station and secondly where the station is now.Is there picture available of the replacement station? As a kid, I lived very close to the old station and spent some time there. They had two trucks at that time, 1 ladder truck and 1 pumper but they still had the horses in the back and had one piece of equipment in the station that was horse drawn. Don't recall that I ever saw the horse drawn unit used but it sat there all polished and shined up just like the day it came from the factory. Pasty cam sure brings back lots of fond memories.

I make several trips from Shawano, Wisconsin to my hometown of Hubbell, Michigan. I always take Hwy-45-less traffic & beautiful scenery. I almost always see an Eagle,if not two. On the last trip, I saw one sitting on a deceased deer, I made a quick U-turn & slowly approached him just as he decided to take off into flight, what wing span. It was amazing to see him up close. Another time I glanced over & saw a wolf, he looked me right in the eye & didn't flinch, that was something. Ya never what you may see while traveling, just keep your eyes open.

Is that Irene M., Beth's sister from Hubbell? I'll be in hubbell in 10 days for 19 days, can't wait,I do miss Da UP

We were talking about views yesterday, but, this guy has the best view! Now if only we could get him to post a few pictures....
He seems to show how much HE loves the UP by proudly perching on the tip top of that tree.

Ahh the omnipotent Bald Eagle, or Haliaeetus Leucocephalus, in all his grandeur, striking his revered patriotic posture high utop the trees. A baronial sight whenever beheld indeed. Kudos on the shot of a mighty regalia of an equally mighty nation.

Wheatman

Where exactly is that Abe marker? I've been through there hundreds of times and must have flew right by it. Is it after Paulding, yet before Bruce Crossing? or after Bruce Crossing?

The historical marker is located in a valley which offers a picturesque view of the Ontonagon River. The road is now know as US 45, and serves as one of the main highways in Ontonagon County. Adjacent to snowmobile trails.

Location: US 45, 2 miles south of Intersection of US 45 and M-26/38

Susie Q, Illinois,

This will give you a better perspective of where the marker is on Military Hill

Wow, I just noticed the date on the link I posted above....what a coincidence that is. The Pasty Cam was visiting the same spot last year this time!

I just casually looked over the Nov 3 2002 posts. One person asked if he had ever been up there. On the registeration book at the old Douglass House hotel there's the signature "A Lincoln".Did he visit the C.C.? The signature looked like his.

I am impressed with the size of this bird. How big are these bald eagles?

Are they rarities in the UP or are they commonplace? I must say outside a zoo, I have never seen one in the wild.

Brrr ... .keep warm you UPers.

Eagles can have up to a 7 foot wing span. Their nests might grow to be 6-8 foot across and 12 feet deep in time. I think that will tell ya that this is a huge, majestic bird.

And have you ever seen a sky so blue except in the Copper Country, Alaska, or Idaho? (In that order of course)

Bee-Sarasota,Fl ALWAYS interesting...this spot...especially today....never get done learning. Have been back South for 6 weeks and already looking for June to return to that special place...the UP...and all the friends we have made there. God bless them all!

Sandee,
Bald Eagles are quite common in the U.P. Northern Iron county(around the Amasa area) is a good spot to see them. Just one of the many things that make the U.P. what it is.

Special.

Bob B--
Yes, it's Irene M. & yes I am Beth's sister. Who might you be Bob B.?

When I go down into the Ontonagon valley on my
bike on Hwy 45 (old military road), I get excited
because I know I'm getting close to the Copper
Country. Sometimes I go the other way thru the
Porkies, but I like the Hwy 45 route too because it
brings me right to the Minesota Mine -- fast.

I usually get groceries in Ironwood and camp out
somewhere around Mass City -- Rockland. Then
I'll either hang around there exploring or head up
towards Houghton and Copper Harbor. I missed
going up this year, so I bought a couple new books
on the region. Maybe I'll order another one today...

I "think" maybe Mrs. Lincoln visited the U.P. in later
years. I'm thinking that I read that somewhere, but
am not certain.

Unfortunately pennies today are only copper
plated. They are actually zinc. Break one in half
and you'll see the inside is white.

2 inches of snow near Hayward, Wis.

To Irene, from Bob-B. I use to live up the street acouple of blocks from your home,bob,bodean,steve & mike,I'm pretty sure you will know now,I am Gina's uncle and was married to Deb-B. Only 8 days till the UP,Take care and have a nice day.

To Bob B,

I figured it was you, I used to babysit for you quite a bit. You must be coming to the Yoop for Deer Season? Maybe I'll run into you...7 days left hey?

Irene