Opening the Gates to Greatness
Some days mark quiet beginnings, and others open the floodgates—literally. June 18, 1855, was one of those latter days. On that date, the steamer Illinois became the very first vessel to pass through the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie, a feat that would forever alter the course of commerce and transportation on the Great Lakes.
Before the locks were built, the St. Mary’s River—connecting Lake Superior and Lake Huron—posed a serious challenge to ships due to its dangerous rapids and steep 21-foot drop. To overcome this, construction began in 1853 on two 350-foot locks designed to safely raise and lower ships between the lakes. Though it was no easy project, the workers finished the task in just two years.
Historic Trip
The completion of the locks in May 1855 was a triumph of American engineering. The steamer Illinois the first vessel through the Soo Locks was monumental. The historic trip took less than an hour, but its legacy has lasted over a century and a half. Operated initially by the state of Michigan, the Soo Locks were transferred to federal control in 1881. Their importance only grew with time.
By the late 20th century, the Soo Locks had become the busiest in the world, handling more annual tonnage than both the Panama and Suez Canals. Between 1987 and 1996, they averaged over 85 million tons of cargo each year. By 1997, that total had risen to an astonishing 8.4 billion tons.
What began as a solution to a dangerous stretch of river has become an essential artery for North American industry. From iron ore to grain, thousands of ships carry vital goods through the Soo Locks every year, all thanks to the bold innovation of 1855—and one steamer named Illinois leading the way.
So today, we tip our hats to the engineers, workers, and crew of the Illinois who made history on June 18. Without them, the Great Lakes might not have become the economic powerhouse we know today.
