MICHIGAN - A state defined by its Great Lakes coastline and its industrial heritage, also boasts a city with a remarkably long and rich history: Sault Ste. Marie. Founded in 1668 as a French mission, Sault Ste. Marie is not only the oldest city in Michigan but also one of the oldest European settlements in the United States.
Sault Ste. Marie: Michigan's Oldest City - A Historic Gateway on the Great Lakes
This article explores the history of Sault Ste. Marie, from its origins as a Native American gathering place to its role as a French mission, a fur trading hub, and its modern-day status as a popular tourist destination.
A Gathering Place for Centuries: Indigenous Roots
Long before European contact, the area where Sault Ste. Marie now stands as a significant gathering place for Native American tribes.
- "Bahweting": Indigenous peoples, particularly the Ojibwe (Chippewa), called the area "Bahweting," meaning "The Gathering Place," reflecting its importance as a site for fishing, trade, and social interaction (Source: Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, historical accounts of the Great Lakes region). The rapids of the St. Marys River provided abundant fish, making it a crucial resource.
French Mission and Fur Trade: The Arrival of Europeans (1668)
European presence in the area began with French explorers and missionaries.
- Jesuit Mission: In 1668, Jesuit missionary Father Jacques Marquette established a mission at the site, renaming it Sault Ste. Marie, in honor of the Virgin Mary (Source: Historical accounts of French exploration in the Great Lakes, Jesuit Relations). This marked the beginning of permanent European settlement in what would become the state of Michigan.
- Fur Trade Hub: Sault Ste. Marie's strategic location on the St. Marys River, connecting Lake Superior and Lake Huron, made it a vital center for the fur trade. French voyageurs (fur traders) and Native American trappers exchanged goods and furs, shaping the region's early economy.
From French to American Control
Sault Ste. Marie's history reflects the shifting power dynamics of North America.
- French and British Rule: The settlement remained under French control until the end of the French and Indian War in 1763, when it became part of British territory.
- American Acquisition: The portion of Sault Ste. Marie, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, became part of the United States in 1797, following the Jay Treaty, which settled boundary disputes between the U.S. and Great Britain (Source: Treaty texts, historical accounts of the U.S.-Canada border). It's important to note that Sault Ste. Marie is a twin city, with a Canadian counterpart (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) across the St. Marys River.
Sault Ste. Marie Today: A Tourist Destination
Modern-day Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, embraces its rich history and its natural beauty, attracting visitors from across the region.
- Soo Locks: The Soo Locks, a marvel of engineering that allows ships to navigate the 21-foot drop between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, are a major tourist attraction. Visitors can watch large freighters pass through the locks.
- Great Lakes Scenery: The city's location on the St. Marys River and its proximity to Lake Superior offer stunning views and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Historical Sites: Sault Ste. Marie offers several historical sites and museums that explore the city's rich past, including the River of History Museum and the Tower of History.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan's oldest city, is a place where history and natural beauty converge. From its origins as a Native American gathering place to its establishment as a French mission, its role in the fur trade, and its modern-day status as a tourist destination, Sault Ste. Marie offers a unique and captivating journey through time. Exploring its historic sites, witnessing the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks, and appreciating its stunning Great Lakes setting provide a glimpse into the rich and diverse heritage of Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
Sources:
- Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
- Historical accounts of the Great Lakes region
- Jesuit Relations (missionary records)
- Historical accounts of French exploration in the Great Lakes
- Treaty texts (Jay Treaty)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Soo Locks information)
- City of Sault Ste. Marie
- Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau
