A Look Back at Sault Ste Marie’s 1898 Speed Limit Debate
In 1898, the streets of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, bustled with activity, though not at the speeds we’re accustomed to today. That year, the city council decided it was time to put the brakes on “reckless” travel by setting a 6 miles per hour speed limit for all wheeled or “runnered” vehicles within city limits. However, what may seem like a mundane ordinance sparked an uproar—and some serious wit—from the Soo City Times, the town’s local newspaper.
The Soo Times Editorial
The Soo Times didn’t hold back in their critique of the council’s decision. In an editorial published on January 28, 1898, they minced no words, sarcastically pointing out just how unnecessary such a law seemed. According to their cutting commentary:
“It is violated every day in the year by every man who by any means navigates in a wheeled or ‘runnered’ vehicle. A second-class ox team will go 6 miles an hour. A horse with every leg spavined and suffering in the last stages of the heaves will travel 6 miles an hour over a corduroy road.”
For a 19th-century audience, this was the equivalent of a mic drop. The Soo Times essentially called the speed limit absurdly low, claiming that even a sickly, overworked horse on a rugged road could outpace the ordinance. It was a moment where humor met rebellion, reflecting the growing pains of a community adjusting to increasing traffic and regulation.
Evolution of Transportation
This story reminds us of how transportation—and the rules around it—have evolved. Today, in Sault Ste Marie, speed limits are much faster, but back in 1898, such a law must have seemed laughable to locals navigating horse-drawn wagons and ox teams.
While the 6 mph speed limit might seem quaint, it’s fascinating to see how it captures a snapshot of a community balancing tradition and modernity. The Soo Times’ sharp-tongued commentary is a timeless reminder of the power of the press to challenge authority with humor and intelligence.
So, the next time you’re driving through Sault Ste Marie, think back to the days when 6 mph was “too fast”—and be grateful for a little extra speed!