Built in 1896 by the Cleveland Ship Building Company, the Edna G. was the last steam driven tugboat in operation on the Great Lakes when it was retired in 1981. She is currently owned by the City of Two Harbors.
Named after the daughter, . . . — — Map (db m204341) HM
This 10-ton bronze propeller from the Eugene W. Pargny shown with tug Edna G, leaving its home port, Two Harbors. Built 1917, the 600-ft. boat made 37 trips yearly until retired 1984. Gift of D. James Jumer, 1999 — — Map (db m204333) HM
Hand Car
Hand and Push Cars were primarily used by section crews to move men and equipment to local work sites. Hand cars did not have a reverse gear and had to be picked up by four men and turned to face the opposite direction.
[Photo . . . — — Map (db m78806) HM
As you walk the pebbled beaches of the North Shore, watch for translucent, color-banded, and reddish-brown stones called Lake Superior agateMinnesota's state gemstone. The story of the Lake Superior agate begins 1.1 billion years ago, when basaltic . . . — — Map (db m204248) HM
The first D&IR wooden ore cars were purchased from the Northwestern Manufacturing Co. in 1884. The first order was for 300 cars at a cost of $615 each. The cars had a capacity of 20 tons but were often overloaded. The lifespan of this equipment . . . — — Map (db m78797) HM
It looks out upon the waters of Lake Superior, the largest fresh water lake in the world, known by the Chippewas as Kitchi Gummi. From this point the lake extends easterly 400 miles and westerly 30 miles. Raddison and Grosseillers canoed this lake . . . — — Map (db m180428) HM
The large steel structures protruding into Agate Bay are massive iron ore docks. They replaced the earlier and smaller wooden docks built between 1883 and 1896. Of the three steel docks only Dock 1 and Dock 2 are in service today. Dock 1 the . . . — — Map (db m204323) HM
[Text interspersed with photos]
Thomas Owens was affectionately known at "T.O.".
The White Houses located between 2nd and 3rd Avenues on Poplar Street were once owned by Railroad Superintendent George White. After his passing and by . . . — — Map (db m78857) HM
This sculpture is a creation of artist Peter Toth and is his gift to the people of Minnesota. It is one of fifty such monuments which he plans to erect, one in each state of the Union. The artist is motivated by his great devotion to the American . . . — — Map (db m269497) HM
Constructed 1947 - 1951
under supervision
of
Duluth District
Corps of Engineers
Department of U.S. Army
Zenith Dredge Company
Duluth, Minnesota
Contractor — — Map (db m78821) HM
In front of you is one of six docks used for shipping iron ore from Agate Bay. Only three docks remain as of 1995. Agate Bay was the site of the first shipment of iron ore from Minnesota in 1884. Today over 10,000,000 ton of taconite or iron ore is . . . — — Map (db m204342) HM
After the Minnesota Iron Company began shipping iron ore from the Vermilion Range through the Two Harbors ore docks in 1884, this port far surpassed Duluth in importance. The increased traffic of ore boats, combined with commercial fishing, made . . . — — Map (db m78812) HM
You Are Here - The one acre site was purchased by the U.S. Government with construction of the lighthouse beginning in 1891. The Two Harbors Lighthouse Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Originally, a . . . — — Map (db m78817) HM
The Park was built on the location once occupied by the first two permanent buildings in Two Harbors. The Lakeview Hotel and the D&IR Office. Both buildings were moved inland and are still in use today.
Once called Voyagers Park and later Ore . . . — — Map (db m204345) HM
Presented to the City of Two Harbors by the Oscar Anderson Post No. 109,
the American Legion, September 1929.
This 250 m.m. German Minenwerfer howitzer was captured by the Americans in the World's War at St. Mihiel, France, September 16, 1918. . . . — — Map (db m78853) HM WM
This hinge pin and truss segment came from the original Gooseberry River Bridge (No. 3585). The original one-lane bridge was constructed in 1925 and widened in 1937 to include a second lane and sidewalks. The bridge was replaced in 1996 by the . . . — — Map (db m204509) HM
Honoring The Dedication And Spirit Of Over 3 Million Young Men Across The United States And 86,000 Young Men In Minnesota Who Helped Create A Legacy For The Conservation Of Natural Resources And Inspired Future Generations. The Civilian Conservation . . . — — Map (db m204404) HM
One of the park's most impressive features is the highway concourse that was designed after a castle. It is over 300 feet long, 15-25 feet high and 12 feet wide at the base!
photographs:
Plans for the parking concourse. Dept. of . . . — — Map (db m204420) HM
The Land is Rising... and Shaping the Shore
About 10,000 years ago, glacial ice covered the North Shore and caused the earth to sag. When the ice melted, a great weight was removed and the land began to rise or "uplift." Uplift, along with . . . — — Map (db m204396) HM
This wall was built between 1936 and 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps enrollees as a retaining wall for the parking concourse.
It is 300 feet long, 15-25 feet high, 12 feet wide at the base, and was designed after a castle. . . . — — Map (db m204512) HM
Notice the area behind the waterfalls? This is where the CCC Boys lived.
Young Men...
As many as 200 young men at a time were living here. There was a hustle and bustle of activity as they built over 80 stone and log structures, buildings . . . — — Map (db m204410) HM
Cooperation Helps Build a Park
In 1910, residents were promoting government involvement in recreational facilities. By 1925, four Two Harbors men brought state officials to waterfalls and urged that the state purchase the land for future . . . — — Map (db m204430) HM
The classic steel arch bridge that spans this gorge is impressive for its simple beauty and elegance. Equally remarkable, but not as obvious to the onlooker, is the massive underground foundation that keeps this bridge sound and secure. To construct . . . — — Map (db m204424) HM
Take a Walk: Discover a Legacy
Wander through the park and see the skills used by the CCC boys to create these structures. Marvel at the detailed stonework of the Castle. Then, walk across the bridge to see the Falls View Shelter.
Boys . . . — — Map (db m204397) HM
Having Fun on the North Shore
In the late 1800s, the North Shore was becoming a popular recreational destination. Guidebooks from 1872 promoted the "recreational splendors of Lake Superior." By 1895, the North Shore recreation industry was . . . — — Map (db m204433) HM
This 28 ton piece of magnetic taconite was removed from the Peter Mitchell Mine near the area where Peter Mitchell, in 1871, put down the first recorded test pit on the Mesabi Range. Pit location: 6,246 yards 40 degrees east of south from this . . . — — Map (db m207684) HM
On Saturday September 5, 1908 Chisholm was swept by a forest fire which destroyed the entire business district and left homeless some four thousand people
With the indomitable spirit of our citizens and generous help throughout the state . . . — — Map (db m203638) HM
The Pillsbury Mine on this site, part of the Monroe group of mines viewed from this lookout, was named for John S. Pillsbury, Governor of Minnesota and owner of the property when iron ore was discovered in 1893 by Edmund J. Longyear. Mining . . . — — Map (db m207753) HM
They toiled with purpose. These miners of ours... moving tons of iron ore for massive steel towers.
This devotion to a nation, they adopted as one, makes the heritage of the iron range foremost 'neath the sun.
The legend lives. They . . . — — Map (db m6756) HM
Clifton, first townsite surveyed in the United States section of the North Shore, was platted
west of the mouth of the French River in 1855. The river was known to early explorers
as Riviere des Francais. Rumors of nearby copper deposits resulted . . . — — Map (db m43766) HM
In 2005, a group of citizens from Duluth and Ohara (now Isumi City), Japan proposed to honor the Sister Cities relationships between our two cities by creating an authentic environment for the Peace Bell placed in Duluth's Enger Park in 1994. . . . — — Map (db m78732) HM
The garden celebrates Duluth's sister city relationship with Ohara Isumi-City, Japan
ダルース市 日本の平和の鐘
The Peace Bell
During World War II, the . . . — — Map (db m204681) HM
To the memory of
Bert J. Enger
1864 1931
Native of Norway
Citizen of Duluth
From Common Laborer to Merchant Prince, he demonstrated in his own life that America is a land of opportunity for the immigrant, and that her civilization . . . — — Map (db m4807) HM
This garden celebrates Duluth's sister city relationship with Ohara Isumi-City, Japan.
The Peace Bell
During World War II, the Japanese government instructed villages to donate metal to be melted down for ammunition. Ohara Isumi-City . . . — — Map (db m78731) HM
The following is a translation of the text found on the bell. This bell, The Japan-US Friendship Peace Bell, is a close replica of the bell displayed in Ohara Park in the town of Ohara, Chiba Japan. It was cast in commemoration of the Sister City . . . — — Map (db m78734) HM
Rotary International
The first Rotary Club was formed in Chicago in 1905 by a young attorney named Paul Harris who desired to discuss areas of common concern with other local business executives. They quickly decided to contribute their . . . — — Map (db m78749) HM
The focus of this service area is youth, low income population and public service needs.
Funded improvements to the Boy Scout's Camp Lawrie (1925) and YMCA's Camp Miller (1926).
Provided summer camp scholarships for youth annually . . . — — Map (db m204945) HM
Funded and constructed a bridge connecting the highway between the U.S. and Canada near Grand Portage, MN when the two governments failed to decide how it should be funded (1926).
Supported PolioPlus, Rotary International's program to . . . — — Map (db m204944) HM
Junior Rotarian program - invited area high schools students to attend weekly club meetings and support service projects
Provided mentors for youth at Lincoln Park School.
Provided scholarships for high school students to attend a . . . — — Map (db m204943) HM
Held the first Big Brother dinner (1916).
Assigned Rotarians to be foster fathers for children at the Duluth Children's Home (1930).
Established Vocational Guidance Program for high school students (1950).
Started . . . — — Map (db m204949) HM
The Four Way Test was adopted by Rotary International in 1943 as our code of ethics.
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it . . . — — Map (db m204940) HM
Texas artist Donna Dobberfuhl sculpted this freestanding brick relief mural as her interpretation of the history of Lake Superior's westernmost place. She chose to include historic and contemporary content, from the culture of indigenous people, . . . — — Map (db m204519) HM
Douglas Freeman's Fountain of the Wind is the artist's tribute to Lake Superior, a poem of honor, respect and gratitude. Here are some of Mr. Freeman's thoughts about this work:
Some of the images are literal. In the cascades we . . . — — Map (db m204517) HM
Located down the steps on bricked Buchanan Street Plaza, adjacent to the kiosk, Harper's five medallions show the Great Lakes and the links that connect them. Flags from the nautical alphabet spell out the lakes' names. Can you identify them? . . . — — Map (db m204518) HM
Sterling Rathsack's animated grouping, while representing figures, also has the abstract form of a totem. Perched on an authentic bollard as you enter Canal Park, Man, Child & Gull welcomes you to explore the character of Duluth's downtown . . . — — Map (db m204520) HM
Kirk St. Maur's Spirit of Lake Superior celebrates the Anishinabe (Ojibwa, American Indian) culture.
The artist's interpretation is based on illustrations and photographs from the Minnesota Historical Society Archives, Eastman . . . — — Map (db m204516) HM
In the early 1970s, sisters Caroline and Julia Marshall (of the Marshall family that founded the Marshall-Wells wholesale hardware company) purchased and gave a unique tract of waterfront land to the City "for public use and enjoyment." It was . . . — — Map (db m266692) HM
Very early Duluth felt that future growth
would depend on having suitable harbor and
dockage. Winter storms wrecked breakwater and docks built outside Minnesota Point. St. Louis Bay offered a protected harbor, but access required a canal be . . . — — Map (db m2913) HM
Deck capstans were used on sailing ships centuries ago to handle anchor lines on the heaviest of the ship's tackle. This cast iron geared capstan was recovered from the sunken schooner Samuel P. Ely at Two Harbors, Minnesota, where the ship sunk in . . . — — Map (db m79002) HM
The near-by canal marks the site of Little Portage on Minnesota Point crossed on June 27, 1679 by Daniel De Gresolon, Sieur Du Lhut, a gentleman of the Royal Guard of Louis XIV on his way to explore the Upper Mississippi. — — Map (db m2876) HM
In recognition of his non-tiring commitment to the maritime community and service as Duluth Seaway Port Authority executive director for 24 years, 1979-2003.
A native of and lifelong resident of Northern Minnesota, Davis began his career as a . . . — — Map (db m5584) HM
In recognition of his non-tiring commitment to the maritime community and service as Duluth Seaway Port Authority executive director for 24 years, 1979-2003. A native of and lifelong resident of Northern Minnesota, Davis began his career as a . . . — — Map (db m266699) HM
Artist Richard Salews shows us a Great Lakes mariner steering his Mackinaw boat on a broad reach perhaps in the late 1800s. The 30-50 foot Mackinaws were used extensively on the lakes before steam and internal-combustion engines appeared. . . . — — Map (db m78875) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m204585) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m2758) HM
Endion Station was originally located fifteen blocks to the east at 1500 South Street on the lakefront just below London Road. In June 1986, the building was moved here because it was in the path of Interstate Highway 35, then being extended into . . . — — Map (db m266400) HM
This piece of float copper was dredged from the Keweenaw Waterway, Michigan, by the hydraulic dredge "New Jersey"; on May 27, 1932, while working under contract with the United States Engineers Office, Duluth. It was presented to the office by . . . — — Map (db m78985) HM
In the late 1800s, Duluth was fast becoming an important shipping port for interstate commerce, second only to New York in cargo tonnage. Slips No. 1 and 2 (Figure 1 & 2) were built in the 1880s by the railroads operating in the area. Slip No. 1 . . . — — Map (db m266685) HM
The first lighting was on November 20, 1970, made possible through the contributions of Duluth school children, citizens, business people and visitors.
The present dramatic lighting, first seen on July 4, 1987, is made possible through a . . . — — Map (db m2883) HM
[panel 1] This wall contains more than 50 images from the photographs in the collection of the Lake Superior Maritime Museum, now housed in the library at the University of Wisconsin at Superior. Sandra and Mark Marino . . . — — Map (db m306715) HM
Honoring Lewis G. Castle
in recognition of his part as a volunteer leader in gaining the seaway and as the administer of the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.
The seaway, completed in 1959, represented decades of dreams, . . . — — Map (db m2910) HM
Unique apparatus invented by Duluth's Captain Alexander McDougall for use on his whaleback ships. About fifty appear to have been produced at the American Steelbarge Company Shipyard in Superior. This one was recovered in 1977 from the wreck of the . . . — — Map (db m79003) HM
This Navy-style stockless anchor is the type used on all modern ships and, at 3 tons, it is typical of those carried on 8-10,000 ton freighters. A usual rule of thumb provides that a vessel's anchor chain should be three times the depth of the water . . . — — Map (db m79001) HM
This propeller wheel is typical of those used to drive Lakes freighters. It measures 14 feet 5 inches in diameter and weighs over 11 tons; being made of a special bronze alloy, its value exceeds 10,000 dollars. The propeller was removed from the . . . — — Map (db m78977) HM
Department of the Navy United States of America —
Navy Operational Support Center Duluth, Minnesota
May all who pass this memorial recognize the brave men and women who have served in the United States Navy. This memorial stands . . . — — Map (db m5818) HM
At three-thirty in the afternoon of Monday, November 27th, 1905, the steamship Mataafa passed under the newly built Duluth Transfer Bridge, and onto Lake Superior. The Mataafa was towing the schooner barge James Nasmyth, bringing their loads of iron . . . — — Map (db m199138) HM
Conventional ship's anchor used from about 1870 to 1910, from the Whaleback steamer Thomas Wilson, sunk a half mile outside Duluth Piers. Recovered in 1973 by the U.S.C.G. Cutter Woodrush with divers Elmer Engman, Dave Anderson, Dan Goman and Paul . . . — — Map (db m21027) HM
The United States Merchant Marine
In recognition of those who serve
their country in war and peace time
to those 250,000 who served in world war II
to those 670 who were taken prisoner
to those 6,700 plus who gave their lives . . . — — Map (db m5433) HM
The streets of this Duluth neighborhood are the first concrete pavements constructed in Minnesota. They were built of portland cement concrete in 1909 and 1910 and ushered in the era of modern roads and streets in the state. A distinctive feature of . . . — — Map (db m44081) HM
Bent Brook is one of two creeks at Glensheen. During spring runoff or heavy rains, water flow can be wild threatening to erode the landscape. To keep the brook from meandering, the waterway was lined with stones and cemented during the estate's . . . — — Map (db m266599) HM
Hesperia, the name given to the Congdon's yacht, was a family name. Registered as a yacht in Lloyd's Register of American Yachts, 1911, the Hesperia was constructed of wood with a raised deck design. The boat was powered by an internal . . . — — Map (db m26552) HM
By the early 1900s, the game of tennis was a bona-fide sport. Its popularity at the Olympic Games made it the darling of the country club set and so the Congdon estate required a court. However, to keep with the Northern aesthetics of the estate, . . . — — Map (db m266601) HM
Pictured is the south side of the Carriage House. The north side of the Carriage House was used as quarters for male employees and their families (if they had any). Between 1908 and 1915, there were at least three men living in the Carriage . . . — — Map (db m266673) HM
The main level sheltered the family's cows and horses. The animals were well looked after with cork tiles to protect their hooves, automatic watering devices and covered manure troughs. The manure was then mixed with creek water and used as . . . — — Map (db m266393) HM
The estate housed three head gardeners before employing a Scotsman named George Wyness in 1921. His arrival in Duluth, along with his wife and three sons, marked the beginning of a family gardening dynasty. In 1955, George turned the position . . . — — Map (db m266391) HM
In 2018, the Minnesota state legislature recognized the value of preserving Glensheen and supported the University of Minnesota's request for $4 million in capital investment. This funding was utilized to completely rebuild the fountain pool and . . . — — Map (db m266676) HM
Campus Heritage Marker
University of Minnesota Duluth
Glensheen, A Family Legacy
Glensheen estate was built between 1905 and 1908 for attorney Chester Adgate Congdon, his wife Clara Bannister Congdon and their . . . — — Map (db m6603) HM
Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes by a lot. With a surface area of nearly 32,000 miles and areas as deep as 1,332 feet, Lake Superior could hold all the water in lakes Huron, Michigan, Ontario and Erie, plus three additional Lake . . . — — Map (db m266395) HM
This gated courtyard was reserved for the Congdons' staff. It functioned as a break space, a spot to hang laundry and the entrance point for deliveries, such as milk, ice and groceries. Perhaps most significantly, this is where the outside world . . . — — Map (db m266399) HM
The Stone Arch Bridge over Tischer Creek was designed by famed landscape architect Charles Leavitt, Jr. His associates, Anthony Morell and Arthur Nichols, came to Duluth to oversee construction, and the pair were later hired by the city of Duluth. . . . — — Map (db m266397) HM
The Congdons' boathouse is one of the few remaining on vast Lake Superior. When built, its pier was large enough to be seen on navigational maps. Of course, the pier was bigger then extending out an additional 30 feet straight into Lake Superior . . . — — Map (db m266394) HM
The greenhouse allowed the Congdons to enjoy what the short Duluth summers could not give them homegrown exotic fruit and flowers. Their indoor harvest included fruit from full-sized banana trees, as well as orchids, Easter lilies and poinsettia . . . — — Map (db m266602) HM
The Congdons hired renowned landscape architect Charles Leavitt Jr. to create a gracious formal estate, while preserving the natural beauty of the property. Mr. Leavitt took the challenge, designing the Glensheen grounds almost exclusively from his . . . — — Map (db m266398) HM
At one time, the waters of Tischer Creek were diverted upstream into a 60,000-gallon reservoir built between Superior Street and London Road. From there, it was piped via a private water main to 20-plus spigots for estate use. On the west bank of . . . — — Map (db m266396) HM
Chester Congdon envisioned Glensheen as a self-sufficient estate. To help feed the family and staff, a large garden was planted from thousands of seedlings started in the greenhouse. According to family records, the plot produced many common . . . — — Map (db m266392) HM
The Congdons' guests would have entered via London Road through the magnificent West Gate. Drivers would follow the serpentine brick wall allowing passengers to take in the Stone Arch Bridge then the front of the mansion with its striking shaped . . . — — Map (db m266598) HM
Originally the area below was called Oneota, one of several early towns which survived to form modern Duluth. Oneota was the site of the first sawmill in the region, built in 1855 at the present site of the iron ore docks. Among the early . . . — — Map (db m78736) HM
Born February 11, 1847
Watertown, N.Y.
Died August 2, 1956
Duluth, Mn.
Battery C
1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery
The Last Union Survivor — — Map (db m79050) HM
An event has happened, upon which it is difficult to speak and impossible to remain silent.
Elias Clayton Elmer Jackson Isaac McGhie
On June 15, 1920, following the alleged rape of a young woman, Duluth police locked up a . . . — — Map (db m46978) HM
Completed in 1892
Designed by
R.S. Peabody & J.G. Stearns
Boston
Listed in the National
Register of Historic Places
1971
St. Louis County
Historical Society
————————
St. Louis . . . — — Map (db m79051) HM
Lynching in America. Thousands of African Americans were the victims of lynching and racial violence in the United States between 1877 and 1950, including in St. Louis County, MN. Lynching of African Americans during this era was a form of . . . — — Map (db m204590) HM
Priley Fountain
In grateful recognition
to Joseph C. Priley for his
unselfish and dedicated
efforts to beautify Duluth
July 26, 1970
Duluth Civic Center
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by . . . — — Map (db m49827) HM
Perhaps no individual in the history of Duluth had such a dramatic influence on the port's infant development than Jay Cooke, a Philadelphia financier. Cooke's reign at the Head-of-the-Lakes was brief, but all-encompassing for commercial . . . — — Map (db m6379) HM
