Stagecoaches played an important part in developing the Midwest. Michigan’s frontier “fever” peaked in the decade from 1830 to 1840 with a 600 percent population increase. Stagecoaches attempted to fill the demand for fast and relatively comfortable transportation. Early stagecoach travel was slow and rough but improved with better built roads. The inns and taverns on the stage routes were a welcome relief in Michigan. This stepping stone, which once led to the famous Bay Port Hotel, is all that remains of the stagecoach era in Bay Port.