Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Pulpwood Rafting
July 25, 2022
1. Pulpwood Rafting Marker
Inscription.
Pulpwood Rafting. . In 1972 Consolidated Papers, Inc., of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., ended long distance rafting of pulpwood across Lake Superior. From 1923–1972, Consolidated rafted over two million cords of pulpwood from Minnesota and Canada to Ashland, Wis. Minnesota rafting points were Pigeon Bay, Sugar Loaf Bay, Horseshoe Bay and Grand Marais. Small pocket rafts made up inside this bay were towed outside the breakwater. Encircled with a double boom of Sitka spruce logs linked with strong chains, the floating pulpwood was towed across Lake Superior by a powerful tugboat. In tow, the boom formed a huge tearshape raft that contained 3,500 to 12,000 cords of pulpwood. The 80-mile trip from Grand Marais to Ashland took 2 to 3 days. The last pulpwood raft left Grand Marais on July 22, 1972, marking the end of an era.
In 1972 Consolidated Papers, Inc., of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., ended long distance rafting of pulpwood across Lake Superior. From 1923–1972, Consolidated rafted over two million cords of pulpwood from Minnesota and Canada to Ashland, Wis. Minnesota rafting points were Pigeon Bay, Sugar Loaf Bay, Horseshoe Bay and Grand Marais. Small pocket rafts made up inside this bay were towed outside the breakwater. Encircled with a double boom of Sitka spruce logs linked with strong chains, the floating pulpwood was towed across Lake Superior by a powerful tugboat. In tow, the boom formed a huge tearshape raft that contained 3,500 to 12,000 cords of pulpwood. The 80-mile trip from Grand Marais to Ashland took 2 to 3 days. The last pulpwood raft left Grand Marais on July 22, 1972, marking the end of an era.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 47° 44.849′ N, 90° 20.023′ W. Marker is in Grand Marais, Minnesota, in Cook County. Marker is on Broadway Avenue (County Highway 10) 0.1 miles south of Wisconsin Street, on the right when traveling south. Located on the eastern shore of Grand Marais Harbor in Boulder Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Grand Marais MN 55604, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2022. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 3, 2022.
