Canal Park in Duluth in Saint Louis County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Duluth's Ten Commandments Monument

July 28, 2022

1. Duluth's Ten Commandments Monument Marker

Inscription. In 1946, Judge E. J. Ruegemer of St. Cloud, MN, who was also a leader in the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, sentenced a 16-year-old boy to memorize the Ten Commandments. This led to local chapters of the Eagles financing the construction of over 4,000 tablet-shaped granite monuments to be dispersed around the nation. Two Minnesota granite companies produced the massive monuments. In 1957, the monuments were donated to public places across the USA. This was coordinated with the release of the film "The Ten Commandments" and movie stars were used in some dedication ceremonies.

This monument was given to Duluth and displayed in front of City Hall for almost 48 years. It was then removed from public property and put up for auction as a result of a threatened lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota. Concerned local citizens rallied but the winning bid came from Celebration Church in Lakeville, MN. They returned the monument to a group of Duluthians who had it placed on private property in 2004.

Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights • Entertainment • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Law Enforcement • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1946.

Location.

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46° 46.921′ N, 92° 5.61′ W. Marker is in Duluth, Minnesota, in Saint Louis County. It is in Canal Park. It is at the intersection of Canal Park Drive and Buchanan Street, on the right when traveling north on Canal Park Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Duluth MN 55802, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker and monument is in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region

and in the Iron Range.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Spirit of Lake Superior (here, next to this marker); Great Lakes Medallions (within shouting distance of this marker); Fountain of the Wind (within shouting distance of this marker); Determined Mariner (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Wreck of the Mataafa (about 500 feet away); Duluth Legacy (about 700 feet away); Trotman Folding Stock Anchor (about 700 feet away); Float Copper (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Duluth.

July 28, 2022

2. Duluth's Ten Commandments Monument & Marker

Duluth's Ten Commandments Monument image. Click for full size.

July 28, 2022

3. Duluth's Ten Commandments Monument

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2022. This page has been viewed 1,457 times since then and 112 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 22, 2022.