Chippewa County, Michigan

The area of Michigan now known as Chippewa County was once a center for British fur trading. One of the best known traders was John Johnston, who married the daughter of a Chippewa Indian chief, and whose house is now a museum.

The area was somewhat isolated until the 1850's when work began on the Soo Locks. The locks were needed because the rapids of the St. Mary's river prevented ships from traveling from Lake Huron to Lake Superior. With the completion of the first lock in 1855, Great Lakes shipping was born.

Today there are 4 American locks. Boat cruises take tourists on trips at Sault Sainte Marie through the 21-foot drop between Lake Superior and Lake Huron water levels. Ships going to and from Lake Superior can also be observed at the De Tour Passage, the beginning of the Saint Mary's River, formed by DeTour Village and Drummond Island , (which is connected to the mainland by ferry service).

If you have comments or suggestions, please take a minute to write to the InfoMI Help Desk.
Back to InfoMI Main Page.