Sault Ste. Marie history

Historical Roots of Sault Ste. Marie

The history of Sault Ste. Marie dates back to ancient times, long before the arrival of Europeans. Initially, this territory was home to the Ojibwe people, who called the place Bawating, which translates as "Place of the Rapids". It was a vital gathering point for the indigenous inhabitants of the region due to the abundant fish resources.

The European stage of exploration began in the 17th century:

• 1623: It is believed that the French explorer Étienne Brûlé was the first European to visit these lands.
• 1668: Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette founded a permanent mission here. It was the French who gave the settlement the name Sault Sainte Marie (Saint Mary's Rapids), which is used to this day.

Key Factors of Formation

The city's development was predetermined by its unique location and its role in the logistics of that era. The main drivers of growth were:

• Geographical Location: The city stands on the St. Marys River — the only waterway connecting Lake Superior to Lake Huron and the rest of the Great Lakes system.
• Overcoming the Rapids: Due to the elevation drop and turbulent currents, vessels could not pass this section directly. The need to unload boats and carry cargo over land (portage) turned the settlement into a mandatory stop for rest and replenishing supplies.
• Fur Trade: Sault Ste. Marie became a strategic hub for the North West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company, controlling the flow of valuable furs from the interior of the continent.

Early Culture and Economy

In the first centuries of its existence, Sault Ste. Marie represented a vivid example of cultural synthesis. Here, the traditions of indigenous peoples mixed with the customs of French voyageurs and traders. Economic life depended entirely on the river: in addition to servicing trade caravans, local residents engaged in large-scale fishing for whitefish, which was an important source of food and a commodity for exchange.

Chronology of City Development

The history of Sault Ste. Marie is a journey from a meeting place for indigenous peoples to an important industrial and transport hub of Canada.

• 1623 — French explorer Étienne Brûlé is the first European to reach the rapids of the St. Marys River.
• 1668 — Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette establishes a permanent mission, giving the settlement its modern name.
• 1798 — The North West Company completes the construction of the first small lock for transporting canoes around the rapids.
• 1814 — During the War of 1812, American troops destroy the first lock and trading posts.
• 1887 — Sault Ste. Marie officially receives the status of a town within the province of Ontario.
• 1894 — The beginning of an industrial boom led by entrepreneur Francis Clergue, who built a power plant and a paper mill.
• 1895 — The Canadian Ship Canal opens; its lock was the longest in the world at that time and the first to be electrically operated.
• 1901 — Algoma Steel is founded, becoming the key enterprise and the centre of metallurgy in the region.
• 1912 — Sault Ste. Marie receives city status, merging with the neighbouring industrial settlement of Steelton.
• 1962 — The grand opening of the International Bridge takes place, connecting the Canadian Sault Ste. Marie with the American city of the same name.
• 1987 — The Sault Ste. Marie Canal is transferred to the management of "Parks Canada" and receives the status of a National Historic Site.
• 1998 — After a large-scale reconstruction, the historic canal reopens for the passage of pleasure craft and tourist boats.

Key Stages of City Transformation

The development of Sault Ste. Marie is the story of the transformation of a strategic trading post into a modern industrial and cultural centre of Northern Ontario. Here are the main milestones that defined the modern appearance of the city and the lifestyle of its residents:

• The Industrial Revolution of Francis Clergue (Late 19th Century): The arrival of the American entrepreneur was a turning point. Realising the energy potential of the river, Clergue initiated the construction of a hydroelectric power station, a pulp and paper mill, and steelworks, turning the quiet settlement into a powerful industrial hub.
• Launch of the Canadian Ship Canal (1895): The opening of its own lock, which was the most technically advanced in the world at the time, had colossal geopolitical and economic significance. This ensured Canada's independence in navigation on the Great Lakes and secured the city's status as a key logistics hub.
• The Era of "Big Steel" (From 1901): The founding of Algoma Steel became the economic foundation of the city. The metallurgical plant not only provided the region with thousands of jobs but also stimulated the development of the railway network (Algoma Central Railway) for ore delivery, defining the urban structure for decades to come.
• Connecting the Shores (1962): The construction of the International Bridge across the St. Marys River created a permanent and reliable link with the USA. This event radically changed the city's economy, simplifying cross-border trade and opening the way for mass automotive tourism between Ontario and Michigan.
• Formation of an Educational Cluster (Second Half of the 20th Century): The development of Sault College and the establishment of Algoma University transformed the city from an exclusively working-class centre into an educational hub for Northern Ontario, contributing to an influx of youth and cultural diversity.
• Post-Industrial Revitalisation (Late 20th — Early 21st Century): The transfer of the historic canal to the park service and the extensive landscaping of the waterfront (St. Marys River Boardwalk) marked a shift in priorities. The city began actively developing recreational zones, turning industrial banks into attractive tourist spaces.

Architectural Evolution and Urban Planning

The architectural appearance of Sault Ste. Marie is unique due to the extensive use of local red sandstone, mined during the construction of the canal in the late 19th century. The urban development is clearly divided into historical layers: from colonial stone structures to monumental buildings of the industrialisation era and modern public spaces.

Main Architectural Eras and Styles

The city's development can be traced through the succession of architectural trends, each corresponding to a specific stage in the region's economic history:

• Georgian Style and Colonial Architecture (Early 19th Century):

  Characterised by strict forms, symmetry, and the use of rough stone. This is the era of the first capital structures erected for the needs of the fur trade and housing for the elite.

  • Landmark Object: Ermatinger Old Stone House (1814). This is the oldest stone building northwest of Toronto. The house combines features of the Federal style and British Palladianism, adapted to the harsh conditions of the frontier.
• Neo-Gothic (Victorian Era, Late 19th Century):

  The style that dominated the religious architecture of the city. It is distinguished by pointed arches, stained glass windows, and verticality, symbolising the spiritual development of the settlement.

  • Landmark Object: Precious Blood Cathedral. The building demonstrates classic Neo-Gothic elements executed in local stone, giving it a unique regional flavour.
• Edwardian Classicism and Richardsonian Romanesque (Early 20th Century):

  A period of rapid industrial growth led by Francis Clergue. Buildings of this time are massive, monumental, and often clad in red sandstone, emphasising the economic power of the city.

  • Landmark Object: Sault Ste. Marie Museum (Former Post Office Building). A striking example of public architecture from the early 20th century with a clock tower, arched windows, and rich decor characteristic of the imperial style of that time.
• Modernism and Functionalism (Mid — Second Half of the 20th Century):

  Post-war development brought the use of concrete, steel, and glass. The emphasis shifted to the functionality of administrative and educational buildings, as well as the development of transport infrastructure.

  • Landmark Object: Civic Centre. An administrative complex on the waterfront, reflecting modernist trends with simple geometric forms and large glazed surfaces opening up views of the river.
• Postmodernism and Modern Revitalisation (Late 20th — 21st Century):

  The modern stage is characterised by the reimagining of industrial zones and the creation of recreational spaces. Architecture becomes lighter, using tensile structures and landscape design.

  • Landmark Object: Roberta Bondar Place. A pavilion with a characteristic white tensile roof, which became a symbol of the waterfront's renewal and the transformation of former industrial territories into a centre of city life.

Urban Planning Features

The layout of Sault Ste. Marie is historically tied to the St. Marys River. The old city centre and industrial giants (such as the steel plant) stretch along the shoreline for access to water and the railway. Residential areas, built in the 20th century, rise from the river to the north, forming a more sparse suburbanised structure.

Notable Personalities of Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie has been the birthplace and place of activity for many people who have left a noticeable mark on science, sports, art, and politics in Canada. Their achievements have shaped the city's reputation far beyond its borders.

• Roberta Bondar
  Astronaut, Neurologist, Photographer

  A native of the city who became a national heroine as Canada's first female astronaut. In 1992, she flew on the shuttle "Discovery" (mission STS-42). Beyond space, Bondar is known for her scientific research in medicine and professional landscape photography. A popular park and pavilion on the waterfront are named in her honour.

• Francis Clergue
  Industrialist and Visionary

  Although Clergue was born in the USA, his name is inextricably linked with the history of Sault Ste. Marie in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was his ambitious projects to build a hydroelectric power station, a paper mill, and a steel plant (Algoma Steel) that turned a quiet trading post into the industrial heart of Northern Ontario.

• Phil Esposito
  Hockey Legend, NHL Hall of Fame Member

  One of the highest-scoring forwards in hockey history, born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie. He became a key figure in the famous 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the USSR. Memorial markers have been installed in the city in honour of Phil and his brother Tony, highlighting their contribution to world sports.

• Ken Danby
  Realist Painter

  One of Canada's leading 20th-century artists, a master of high realism. His iconic painting "At the Crease" (1972) became one of the most recognisable images in Canadian art. Danby was born in Sault Ste. Marie, and local landscapes often inspired his early work.

• Sir William Hearst
  Politician, 7th Premier of Ontario

  Although not born in the city itself, Hearst lived here for a long time and built a successful legal career before leading the province (1914–1919). His government played a decisive role in developing the resources of Northern Ontario and passing legislation that gave women the right to vote in provincial elections.

• Tony Esposito
  Hockey Goaltender, NHL Hall of Fame Member

  The younger brother of Phil Esposito, also a native of Sault Ste. Marie. He went down in history as one of the pioneers of the now-popular "butterfly" goaltending style. His brilliant career with the Chicago Blackhawks cemented the city's status as a "forge of hockey talents".

• Brad Jacobs
  Olympic Curling Champion

  A representative of the modern generation of athletes. The team under his leadership (Team Jacobs) won gold medals at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, confirming the high level of sports training in the region.