When you think of Michigan history, ship traffic might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but it should be. On June 9, 1881, the State of Michigan officially transferred ownership of the Soo Locks and the St. Marys Falls Canal to the United States government, specifically the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This pivotal moment marked the end of state control and the beginning of federally operated, toll-free passage through one of the most important shipping corridors in North America.
The Soo Locks, located in Sault Ste. Marie, were first completed in 1855 to help vessels bypass the treacherous rapids of the St. Marys River. At the time, ships were charged a four-cent-per-ton toll (later reduced to three cents in 1877), unless they were government vessels. These charges helped fund the locks’ maintenance, but as ship traffic increased dramatically, it became clear that the infrastructure needed major upgrades—far beyond what the state could afford.
Federal Government Takes Control
By 1881, commerce on the Great Lakes had grown to such national importance that the federal government stepped in. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took full control of the locks and canal system, and one of their first acts was to eliminate the tolls entirely. Since then, the locks have remained under federal jurisdiction, with the USACE continuing to operate and maintain them toll-free to this day.
Today, the Soo Locks handle over 7,000 vessels a year, carrying up to 80 million tons of cargo—mostly iron ore, coal, and limestone that fuel American industry. They’re more than just impressive feats of engineering—they’re vital arteries of commerce and a living piece of Michigan’s maritime history.
So, the next time you see a freighter cruising through the Great Lakes, think back to June 9, 1881—a day that changed the course of shipping history in the United States.
