Sa
ult
Ste. Marie
Downtown Development
Authority
 |
Life in Sault Ste. Marie in the 1600's Sault Ste. Marie is the oldest city in Michigan. Over the course of history, the flags of several sovereign nations have flown over the Sault. Over 2,000 years ago, Native Americans began to gather here for the wealth of fish and fur found along the rushing waters of the wide, turbulent river that linked the Great Lakes of Superior and Huron. Spring and fall were important seasons for these original settlers, and they called the area “Bahweting,” or “The Gathering Place.” The area’s first full-time residents lived in lodges framed of wood poles, sheathed with bark or animal hides. The river below the rapids provided an abundance of fish for native peoples, as well as for several tribes from throughout the region, which migrated here during the peak fishing season. It continues to remain a world-class spot for sport fishing. (Photo courtesy of Mackinac State Historical Parks) |
|
|
In the 1600’s, French missionaries and fur traders began to venture into the beautiful territory. The traders began calling the wild area Sault du Gastogne. In 1668, the legendary Jesuit missionary and explorer Fr. Jacques Marquette renamed this burgeoning European settlement Sault Ste. Marie, in honor of the Virgin Mary—the first “city” in the Great Lakes region. While there is some debate on the exact meaning of “Sault,” scholars of early French note that the word translates into “jump,” referring to the place where one needs to “jump” or “put into” the St. Mary’s River. This translation relates to the treacherous rapids and cascades that fall over 20 feet from the level of Lake Superior to the level of the lower lakes. Hundreds of years ago, this prohibited boat traffic and necessitated an overland portage from one lake to the other. This is how Portage Avenue, the main street running along the river, acquired its name. |
 |
|
|
(Photo courtesy of Al Kamuda of the Sault Tribe) |
||
Natives
of the Sault Tribe are shown here gathered around the "Baweting
Drum" at a modern-day pow-wow. These gatherings have been going on
along the banks of the St. Mary's River for hundreds...perhaps
thousands of years.
Life in Sault Ste. Marie during the 1800s
|
|
Due to the strategic location of the river and the abundant natural resources found here, the French and British often fought over the area and the right to trade with Native Americans in the 1700’s. In 1820, the Treaty of the Sault was signed, which turned control over to the United States in 1823. Fort Brady was built on the grounds of the old French Fort Repentigny, as the new Americans were concerned about possible British invasions from nearby Canada. This fort was eventually abandoned in the 1890’s, and a new Fort Brady was constructed on the grounds of present-day Lake Superior State University. Throughout all this turbulent history, the St. Mary’s River continued to dominate the life and events of Sault Ste. Marie—as it continues to do so today.
|
|
|
The world-famous Soo Locks, which overcome the natural barriers to navigation, continue to be an engineering marvel, and a source of great pride for residents. The first lock was constructed in the late 1700’s on the Canadian side of the river by the Northwest Fur Company, but was destroyed during the War of 1812. Other primitive lock systems followed until 1850, when the present-day lock system began to be developed by civil engineers.
|
|
|
|
The Soo Locks system |
||
Life in Sault Ste. Marie during the 1900s
(Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) |
||
|
The federal government took control of the property and the lock system in the 1870’s. Their stewardship continues today, administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Soo Locks are the busiest locks in the world, and include the largest lock in the Western Hemisphere, completed in 1968. (Photo courtesy of Travel Michigan) |
|
|
Throughout this colorful history and on into the future, the roots of our heritage go back to the native residents of the area. Many, many stories of this fascinating tale can be seen at the areas numerous historical museums and displays. We invite you to spend as much time as you can...we're very proud to share our story with you!
|
(Photo courtesy of Al Kamuda, Sault Tribe) |
|
Downtown Development Authority ·105 Arlington St. · Sault Ste. Marie, MI · 906-635-6973