By Shannon K. Jones
Staff Reporter
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The Soo Locks, one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, will celebrate 150 years of service this summer. The Locks are considered vital to bringing in revenue each year by way of tourism dollars to local restaurants, shops and lodging establishments.
According to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, since 1971, the first year records were available, more than 13 million people have visited the Soo Locks— coming from all over the world.
As a vital part of the world shipping industry, the Locks are the only link between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes. Coal, iron ore, cement, and steel are the most transported commodities within the Locks. Without this structure in place vessels would not be able to safely traverse the 21 foot drop in the St. Mary's elevation, between Lake Superior and Lakes Huron and Michigan.
The Locks consist of two canals and four locks, of which, two continue to operate on a regular basis. The first two locks were constructed in 1853 and turned over to the state in 1855. As shipping grew in intensity, it became apparent additional locks would need to be constructed. In 1881 the state turned jurisdiction of the the structure over to the United States Government, as the financial burden of constructing and maintaining the locks could not be met by the state. Since that time operation has been in the hands of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
In honor of the 150-year anniversary, the Sault Ste Marie Convention and Visitor's Bureau has organized a number of events for the community. The annual Engineers Walk on June 24 will mark the beginning of this celebration. Events to continue throughout the summer include Maritime Days, an All Nations Celebration and celebrations of Native American culture.
