Library of Congress
Duluth has maintained growth and prosperity as a port town, with a current city population of 85,618 and metropolitan population of 278,799. Resting on the edge of Lake Superior, Duluth continues to have access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Great Lakes Waterway and St. Lawrence Seaway. Originally inhabited by the Ojibwe, fur traders began acquiring the land, and established their permanence with the 1854 Ojibwe Land Cession Treaty.
Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge
In order to create the Duluth Ship Canal, a gap in the sand spit had to be created, which left new island residents (Lake Ave. side of the canal) without a means of crossing to the mainland. In 1892, almost a decade following the publication of this map, a contest was held to solve the issue, but the winner's design was rejected by the War Department. A few years following the contest, and inspired by the Vizcaya Bridge in France, Thomas McGilvray designed an aerial bridge gondola, which was completed in 1905. However, as Duluth's tourism and population continued to grow, the bridge needed to grow as well. C.A.P. Turner designed the current standing Aerial Lift Bridge, which lifted for the first time in 1930. Today, the bridge can be raised to full height (135 ft.) in a minute and is raised nearly 5,000 times per year. Wikipedia
Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge
In order to create the Duluth Ship Canal, a gap in the sand spit had to be created, which left new island residents (Lake Ave. side of the canal) without a means of crossing to the mainland. In 1892, almost a decade following the publication of this map, a contest was held to solve the issue, but the winner's design was rejected by the War Department. A few years following the contest, and inspired by the Vizcaya Bridge in France, Thomas McGilvray designed an aerial bridge gondola, which was completed in 1905. However, as Duluth's tourism and population continued to grow, the bridge needed to grow as well. C.A.P. Turner designed the current standing Aerial Lift Bridge, which lifted for the first time in 1930. Today, the bridge can be raised to full height (135 ft.) in a minute and is raised nearly 5,000 times per year. Wikipedia
Image shows boats in the Duluth Ship Canal dropping rocks into the canal in 1871.
A variety of 19th century boats meandering the bay. Small sailboats, tugboats, steamboats, and even larger vessels seem to be traveling different, and chaotic, directions.
Image shows boats in the Duluth Ship Canal dropping rocks into the canal in 1871.
A variety of 19th century boats meandering the bay. Small sailboats, tugboats, steamboats, and even larger vessels seem to be traveling different, and chaotic, directions.
Poirier wearing his design.
While not listed as a manufacturer or supplier on the map index, 1610 W Superior St. was the site of the original Duluth Pack Company store. This is probably due to the fact that the "company" was was a leather and shoe repair store in 1882, and likely located in a different part of town. When French-Canadian immigrant, Camille Poirier, did patent the original Duluth Pack in 1882, his store gained popularity. He soon opened a wholesale store, Poirier Tent and Awning which later became Duluth Tent and Awning and eventually the Duluth Pack Company.
Poirier wearing his design.
While not listed as a manufacturer or supplier on the map index, 1610 W Superior St. was the site of the original Duluth Pack Company store. This is probably due to the fact that the "company" was was a leather and shoe repair store in 1882, and likely located in a different part of town. When French-Canadian immigrant, Camille Poirier, did patent the original Duluth Pack in 1882, his store gained popularity. He soon opened a wholesale store, Poirier Tent and Awning which later became Duluth Tent and Awning and eventually the Duluth Pack Company.
Duluth Swing Bridge
"Connent's Point" does not exist. Is this intended to be "Connor's Point" as shown in the enlarged sketch below? The interstate bridge connects Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Duluth Swing Bridge
"Connent's Point" does not exist. Is this intended to be "Connor's Point" as shown in the enlarged sketch below? The interstate bridge connects Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Boat crossing under the Aerial Lift Bridge
The overcrowded harbor intends to highlight Duluth's waterfront popularity. For over a century, the Superior harbor is the country's largest, farthest-inland freshwater port.
This boat comes from the "City of Cleveland," showing it could have traveled from Ohio.
Boat crossing under the Aerial Lift Bridge
The overcrowded harbor intends to highlight Duluth's waterfront popularity. For over a century, the Superior harbor is the country's largest, farthest-inland freshwater port.
This boat comes from the "City of Cleveland," showing it could have traveled from Ohio.