Along the Indiana border in southwest Michigan lies Cass County, a place rich in historical significance.

Nearly 1000 freedom seekers traveled through the area on their way to Canada. The first rendition of the "Old Rugged Cross" was sung in a local church before it became one of the best loved gospel hymns in America. The first stop on the Orphan Train, which moved street orphans from New York City to homes across the Midwest, was in Dowagiac, and the invention of kitty litter by local Edward Lowe allowed cat lovers the world over to finally bring their furry friends in from the cold.

Author Rose Mary Wood commemorates the events and individuals who left their mark on Cass County and the world.