Canal – Duluth, MN - Minnesota Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

This historical marker tells about the development of the shipping canal in Duluth. It is located on the east wall and to the left of the front door of the Maritime Museum and Visitor Center. The text of the sign reads:

“Very early Duluth felt that future growth would depend on having suitable harbor and dockage. Winter storms wrecked breakwater and docks built outside Minnesota Point. St. Louis Bay offered a protected harbor, but access required a canal be dug through Minnesota Point. A contract was let. Dredging started the summer of 1870—cutting through two-thirds of the point—before being stopped by winter. Interests not favoring a canal used the delay to secure an injunction from the War Dept., stopping work. Word reached Duluth on June 9. Aided by the dredge Ishpeming, some 50 citizens with pick and shovel had a 30 foot wide channel cut before officers arrived to serve the injunction. The original canal was 200 feet wide with timber bulkheads. In 1898 the width was increased to 300 feet, with concrete piers and bulkheads as they are today. World shipping enters the largest fresh water harbor and the world’s most inland harbor through this canal.

“The Duluth-Superior Harbor, with 59 miles of harbor lines and an area of approximately 12 square miles, compares well with the worlds larger harbors. Courtesy of Duluth Lions Club.”

You will enjoy taking time to go inside and see the nautical displays, and there is a viewing window to watch the ships going through the canal and under the aerial bridge. The arrival of each ship is announced, and they tell the basic facts about the vessel, what it is carrying, where it is going, and when it is expected to arrive.

Marker Type:: City

Visit Instructions:
A photo of the 'Marker' or 'Plaque' is required to identify the location, plus a picture of the 'Historic Site'.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   03/07/2019 _ILMOP_ visited it