Exploring Our Industrial Heritage: Duluth Minnesota (Part I)
Situated on the north shore of Lake Superior at the westernmost point of the Great Lakes, Duluth MN is the largest U.S. city on the lake. The Port of Duluth is the world's farthest inland port accessible to oceangoing ships and it is the busiest port on the Great Lakes. Duluth is a hub for cargo shipping. Commodities shipped from the Port of Duluth include coal, iron ore, grain, limestone, cement, salt, wood pulp and steel coil.
During the 20th century, the Port of Duluth was the busiest port in the United States, surpassing even New York City in gross tonnage. Cargo ships such as the S.S. William A Irvin carried iron ore through the Great Lakes to processing plants in Illinois and Ohio. Duluth's boomtown growth was highlighted by industrial success. For example, the Diamond Calk Horseshoe Company was founded in 1908 and later became a major manufacturer and exporter of wrenches and automotive tools. Additionally the highly successful, the Duluth Refrigerator Company was established in 1908. In parallel to these start-ups, US Steel announced that it would build a steel plant in Duluth. This plant began steel production in 1915 and it employed many Duluth citizens. Then the Universal Atlas Cement Company, which made cement from the slag byproduct of the steel plant, began operations in 1917.
Duluth experienced many ups-and-downs throughout it's history, but what about now? Well, when my wife and I visited Duluth this summer, I was very surprised by the city's upbeat vibe. Nowadays, the industrial aspects of the city are apparent everywhere, but interestingly enough the industrial parts of the city are nicely interwoven with the recreational, historical and residential aspect. I have never seen a city pull this off like Duluth has done. Typically, when these these are intermingled in a city, the city is a mess and not at all conducive for tourism. I usually chalk this up to poor city planning and bad zoning laws. But somehow Duluth pulled it off!
When we visited Duluth in late July, we entered the city via the John A. Blatnik Bridge. Industry abound on both sides of this bridge. It was apparent that we were entering a city that was economically supported by heavy industry. I must say that I was expecting my story about Duluth to end there. I could easily and clearly capture the Industrial heritage of Duluth. At first glance, heavy industry dominates the Duluth landscape. To the right, to the left, in front and behind me, heavy industry was everywhere I looked. That was until we turned right towards Canal Park.
A large freightliner leaving the Port of Duluth as we strolled along the Lakewalk of Duluth.
Canal Park was thriving with tourism! We immediately suspected this by the lack of parking. However, after finding a legal parking spot, we were awed by the sprawling recreational area located on Duluth's lakefront side. Our exploration began with a walk on Duluth's Lakewalk. Although we only walked about 3 total miles, the Lakewalk continues for a total of eight miles. Despite the minor quantity of smoke in the air from recent forest fires in Canada, it was a beautiful day. People were enjoying their walks. There were people walking their dogs, jogging, biking, riding free e-scooters and even reclining on park benches along the trail. Additionally, some people were even enjoying a day in the sand at the lake beach.
After our lake walk, we decided to stroll along Superior Street, which also boosts lake views. Superior street is the main drag in Duluth. Cute shops and quality restaurants adorn the street. People from areas far and wide have descended upon Duluth on this day all looking to experience all that Duluth has to offer.
In the backdrop of this recreationally area are real-life images of industrial complexes and residential communities. Historical landmarks abound, including a wall sculpture mural that depicts the great history of Duluth. Now it was time to eat.
This anchor was produced in Chester, PA. My father completed his apprenticeship as a machinist at the factory where this anchor was produced. Now it adorns the Lakewalk in Duluth as a historic treasure and reflection of the shipping prowess of the Port of Duluth.
Our first try at restaurant dining was at Fitger's Brewhouse and Grill on Superior Street. Fitger's Brewing Company was a successful beer manufacturer, from 1881 to 1972 and it is now historic site. The surviving brewery complex stretches for 720 feet along the Lake Superior. The majority of the ten-building complex was constructed between 1886 and 1911. Fitger's, as it is now known, has undergone renovations and reuse as an indoor mall with shops, restaurants, nightclubs, a hotel, and a museum on the brewery's history. The brewery complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 for its local significance in the themes of architecture, commerce, and industry.
We tried to dine here at Fitger's and also explored some other nearby restaurants, but no-dice! There was a 90 minute wait everywhere we went. Stomachs growling, we settled for pizza at Pizza Luce. Only a 40 minute wait. Although the wait was long, we found the pizza to be as unique as Duluth.
Duluth is undoubtably unique in its industrial history and in the way it reinvented itself. Successfully interweaving heavy industrial, recreational, tourism, residential and historical into one cool city is purely amazing. Stop by and see for yourself when you are in the area. You won't be disappointed.
Read Part II in the series about the Duluth's role in the steel industry's supply chain as I tell the story of the S.S. William A. Irvin. A cargo ship of industrial titans.
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