Sault Ste. Marie Canal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sault Ste. Marie Canal |
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The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, with the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge in the background.
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| Location | Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario |
| Built | 1895 |
| Governing body | Parks Canada |
| Website | Sault Ste. Marie Canal |
The Sault Ste. Marie Canal is a special place in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It's a National Historic Site, which means it's an important part of Canada's history. Parks Canada looks after it.
This canal has a special water elevator called a lock. This lock helps boats get around the fast-moving water, or rapids, on the St. Marys River.
The very first canal here opened in 1798. But it was destroyed in 1814 during the War of 1812. The canal you see today was finished in 1895. It helped ships travel all the way from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Superior. It worked with two other locks on the US side of the river, known as the Soo Locks.
In 1987, one of the canal's walls broke, and it had to close for big ships. A smaller lock was built inside the old one and opened in 1998. This new lock is perfect for smaller boats and people who enjoy boating for fun.
Contents
A Look Back: The Canal's History
The first lock was built in 1798 by a company called the Northwest Trading Company. On July 20, 1814, American forces attacked and destroyed their trading post on the St. Marys River. The lock was also destroyed during this attack in the War of 1812.
Why a New Canadian Canal Was Built
In 1870, a ship called the Chicora was carrying a British officer, Colonel Garnet Wolseley. The United States would not let the Chicora pass through their locks at Sault Ste. Marie. This event, known as the Chicora Incident, made Canada decide to build its own canal. This way, Canadian ships would not need permission from the US.
The construction of the Canadian canal and its lock was finished in 1895. At that time, it was the biggest lock in the world. It was also the first lock ever to be operated by electricity! The canal itself is about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) long. The original lock was 274 meters (899 feet) long and 18 meters (59 feet) wide.
The 1909 Accident
On June 9, 1909, something big happened. A ship named the Perry G. Walker crashed into the south gate of the locks. The force of the water pushed the other gate open too. Water rushed out, carrying two other ships downstream. One of them hit the south gate, breaking it in half.
Luckily, no one was hurt! An amazing safety device called the Emergency Swing Dam was used to stop the water. This allowed repairs to begin quickly. The canal was back open in just 12 days, on June 21, 1909.
The Canal Today
In 1987, a wall of the historic lock broke. It had to be closed for large ships. A new, smaller lock was built inside the old one. It opened in 1998. This new lock is 77 meters (253 feet) long, 15.4 meters (51 feet) wide, and 13.5 meters (44 feet) deep. It has a draft of 3 meters (10 feet).
Today, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal is used by smaller boats, like those for recreation and tours. Big shipping traffic still uses the U.S. locks on the other side of the river.
A Special Historic Site
The Sault Ste. Marie Canal became a National Historic Site in 1987. Parks Canada manages it as part of Canada's national park system. It's a great place for people to visit, whether they are on a boat or exploring on land.
Historic Buildings and Features
There are several old buildings on the site that are part of its history:
- The administration building
- The superintendent's house
- The canalmen's shelter
- The powerhouse
- The blacksmith shop
All these buildings are made from red sandstone. This stone was dug up when the canal was being built. Most of the original machines that operated the lock are still there too!
Another unique part of the site is the Sault Canal Emergency Swing Dam. This is the only emergency swing dam like it left in the world. It's also the only one that has ever been used in a real emergency, like the one in 1909!
Visiting the Canal
You can take guided tours during the summer months. The visitor center is open all year round.
The Red River Expedition of 1870 was a very important event in Canadian history. Before the canal was built, this expedition had to carry their boats and supplies around the rapids nearby. This difficult journey was a big reason why Canada decided to build its own canal.
Images for kids
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Approaching the open lock from downstream.
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The Administration Building was completed in 1895 - 1896.
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The powerhouse
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The superintendent's house in winter
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The workshop
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The emergency swing dam, with the International Bridge and International Railroad Bridge in the background
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Ponds with Brasenia schreberi along the Attikamek Trail
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Boardwalk along the Attikamek Trail
