Canal Park in Duluth in Saint Louis County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Edgar A. Culbertson
BM1
Photographed by Keith L, September 27, 2007
1. Edgar A. Culbertson BM1 Marker
This plaque is dedicated by the people of Duluth to the memory of a fellow citizen, Coast Guard Boatswains Mate First Class, Edgar A. Culbertson, who on the night of April 30, 1967 gave his life attempting to rescue three teen-age brothers stranded on this pier during a severe storm. His great sacrifice is an enduring example of his devotion to duty and compassion for his fellow man.
Erected by the people of Duluth.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is April 30, 1914.
Location. 46° 46.795′ N, 92° 5.5′ W. Marker is in Duluth, Minnesota, in Saint Louis County. It is in Canal Park. It can be reached from Canal Park Drive, on the left when traveling south. Marker is east of the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, set on a concrete pedestal on the north wall of the north breakwater pier. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Duluth MN 55802, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker 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, Ruperts 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: Lewis G. Castle (here, next to this marker); Dedicated to Davis Helberg (a few steps from this marker); United States Merchant Marine / U.S. Navy Armed Guard (a few steps from this marker); Northwoods Sailors
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Additional commentary.
1. (This comment only shown to person who submitted it, and to the editor.)
I am from Duluth, MN; born and raised. Just thought I would let you know I was down at the canal when the Halverson brothers drowned in april of 1967. I saw them that day, all 3 brothers running on the pier jumping the waves. I turned my head for a moment and they were gone. I remember telling my mother that they were gone. She didn't seem too think much of it. I remember thinking where could they have gone so fast. I was 8 yrs old at the time. We were parked down by the canal at the time watching the storm. Just thought I would let you know.
Anonymous
mailto:[email protected]
Photographed by Keith L, September 27, 2007
2. Edgar A. Culbertson Marker & North Pier
Additional keywords. Halverson brothers, Three Brothers Chapel, Duluth Ship Canal Park, USCG, Coast Guard
Photographed by Keith L, September 27, 2007
3. The Three Brothers Chapel
Located at 230 East Skyline Parkway in Duluth.
Photographed by Keith L, September 27, 2007
4. Plaque at Chapel
From the First United Methodist Church website: The loss of the Halverson brothers, Eric, Arthur, and Nathan, in Lake Superior on a stormy night in April of 1967--brought support from across the community and the gift of the remarkable Three Brothers Chapel.
Photographed by Keith L, September 27, 2007
5. Plaque at Chapel
Dedicated to the memory of Eric, Arthur and Nathan Halverson, teenagers of this congregation, who were swept from the north pier of the Duluth Harbor entrance during a strong northeaster on Sunday evening April 30, 1967... and to the memory of Coastguardsman Edgar Culbertson who lost his life that same night while, with two shipmates, making a courageous but vain search for the boys at the far end of the wave-pounded pier. "Greater love hath no man than this...." --John 15:13
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 4,680 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 30, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
