Superior in Douglas County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Wartime Shipbuilding
The Walter Butler Company built fifty-two ships, including eighteen coastal freighters, twenty-two ocean-going cargo ships, and twelve frigates employed as convoy escorts. In May 1943, Butler's 5,000 workers launched five large cargo ships in a single day.
Globe Shipbuilding constructed ten armed ocean-going tugs, eleven 5,000 ton cargo ships, and eight Tacoma-class frigates. Globe workers developed innovative welding techniques that permitted construction to continue all winter. In 1944, some 230 of the company's 2,500 workers were women, including many who served as welders.
Ships built in Superior hauled portions of an artificial harbor to the Normandy beaches, towed damaged warships to port, and took part in anti-submarine warfare in the Atlantic.
Erected 1990 by Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 297.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1943.
Location. 46° 43.408′ N, 92° 4.16′ W. Marker is in Superior, Wisconsin, in Douglas County. Marker is on East 2nd Street west of Marina Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 E 2nd St, Superior WI 54880, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. S.S. Meteor (approx. 0.3 miles away); The University of Wisconsin-Superior (approx. one mile away); Duluth-Superior Harbor (approx. 1.1 miles away); Old Stockade Site (approx. 1.1 miles away); Summer White House - 1928 (approx. 1˝ miles away); Burlington Northern Ore Docks (approx. 2.8 miles away); The Superior Entry (approx. 2.9 miles away); Superior Entry South Breakwater Light (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Superior.
More about this marker. Marker was rededicated in July of 2021. It is located at the parking lot, near the playground of the Richard I Bong Veterans Historical Center/Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2020, by Fitzie Heimdahl of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 436 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on May 19, 2023, by Gary Sonnenberg of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 28, 2021, by Fitzie Heimdahl of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.