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History of Duluth, Minnesota, USA
Journey back in time to Duluth, Minnesota, USA
Explore Duluth, Minnesota, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Duluth Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Duluth, St Louis, Minnesota, USA
The first Aerial Ferry was put into Operation on April 9, 1905, over the ship canal between Duluth to Minnesota Point. It had room enough to accommodate 6 automobiles. Round trip took 10 min.
50states.com
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Duluth Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Duluth, Minnesota, USA
Postcard
Duluth Boat Club
Duluth, Minnesota, USA
Postcard
Hotel Lincoln
Duluth, Minnesota, USA
Postcard
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to DULUTH
MINNESOTA Cozy Cabin Hotdish Lover Mug
Embrace your Minnesotan roots with our whimsical "I'm from Minnesota!" ceramic mug, perfect for anyone who understands the state's unique blend of culinary delights and survival instincts. This mug features the caption: "I'm from Minnesota! That explains a lot about my love for hotdish and my knack for surviving winters by hibernating in a cozy cabin with a 10-pound block of cheese."
Discover Duluth: History, News, Travel, and Stories
1888 - DULUTH'S BIG BLAZE. THE HANDSOME OPERA HOUSE A TOTAL WRECK - LOSS $250,000.
Duluth, Jan. 29. - At 1:50 o'clock a.m. fire was discovered in the opera house block.
In thirty minutes the whole building was in a blaze.
The building contained the opera house, BOYCE & TOTTMAN, drugs; J. T. CONDON, hats; M. M. GASSER, groceries; LEVY, liquors. The building is a total loss.
The post office building is also in ruins, but the mails are saved.
The opera house building cost about $100,000 in 1884. The value of stocks destroyed is unknown, but will exceed $100,000. The entire loss, including that of lawyers, will exceed $250,000.
Mitchell Daily Republican
Mitchell, South Dakota
January 29, 1888
Duluth, Jan. 29. - At 1:50 o'clock a.m. fire was discovered in the opera house block.
In thirty minutes the whole building was in a blaze.
The building contained the opera house, BOYCE & TOTTMAN, drugs; J. T. CONDON, hats; M. M. GASSER, groceries; LEVY, liquors. The building is a total loss.
The post office building is also in ruins, but the mails are saved.
The opera house building cost about $100,000 in 1884. The value of stocks destroyed is unknown, but will exceed $100,000. The entire loss, including that of lawyers, will exceed $250,000.
Mitchell Daily Republican
Mitchell, South Dakota
January 29, 1888
1892 - Mar 8-9, 1892 - Blizzard
One of Duluth's worst blizzards. 70 mph winds, blinding snow piled drifts over 20 ft high, blocking second story windows in some buildings.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Famous Winter Storms
www.dnr.state.mn.us/ climate/ summaries_and_publications/ winter_storms.html
One of Duluth's worst blizzards. 70 mph winds, blinding snow piled drifts over 20 ft high, blocking second story windows in some buildings.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Famous Winter Storms
www.dnr.state.mn.us/ climate/ summaries_and_publications/ winter_storms.html
1892 - BUILDING DESTROYED.
Duluth, Minn., Dec. 30. - Flames destroyed the Fargusson building in Duluth, Minn., causing a loss of about $250,000 on building and contents.
Stevens Point Daily Journal
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
December 31, 1892
Duluth, Minn., Dec. 30. - Flames destroyed the Fargusson building in Duluth, Minn., causing a loss of about $250,000 on building and contents.
Stevens Point Daily Journal
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
December 31, 1892
1895 - Duluth
Duluth, a city and port of entry, the capital of St. Louis co., Minn., is finely situated at the W. end of Lake Superior, at the head of navigation on the great lakes, 156 miles N.N.E. of St. Paul, with which it is connected by three lines of railroad. It is also at the eastern terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Lat. 46° 48' N.; lon. 92°6' W. The site is the side of a hill which rises gradually from the shore to a height of about 600 feet above the lake. The harbor, called Duluth Bay, is protected by a narrow piece of land called Minnesota Point, which is 7 miles long and forms a natural break water, through which there is a ship-canal. The government of the United States is expending large sums of money in the improvement of the harbor by dredging and the construction of piers. Duluth contains a custom-house, 37 churches, a United States land-office, an excellent system of public schools, including a high school, 3 national and 6 state banks, a savings-bank, a signal-station, ... Read MORE...
Duluth, a city and port of entry, the capital of St. Louis co., Minn., is finely situated at the W. end of Lake Superior, at the head of navigation on the great lakes, 156 miles N.N.E. of St. Paul, with which it is connected by three lines of railroad. It is also at the eastern terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Lat. 46° 48' N.; lon. 92°6' W. The site is the side of a hill which rises gradually from the shore to a height of about 600 feet above the lake. The harbor, called Duluth Bay, is protected by a narrow piece of land called Minnesota Point, which is 7 miles long and forms a natural break water, through which there is a ship-canal. The government of the United States is expending large sums of money in the improvement of the harbor by dredging and the construction of piers. Duluth contains a custom-house, 37 churches, a United States land-office, an excellent system of public schools, including a high school, 3 national and 6 state banks, a savings-bank, a signal-station, ... Read MORE...
1905 - Blizzard
Nov 27-28, 1905, another blizzard at Duluth with 60 mph winds. Sank ships in Lake Superior.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Famous Winter Storms
www.dnr.state.mn.us/ climate/ summaries_and_publications/ winter_storms.html
Nov 27-28, 1905, another blizzard at Duluth with 60 mph winds. Sank ships in Lake Superior.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Famous Winter Storms
www.dnr.state.mn.us/ climate/ summaries_and_publications/ winter_storms.html
April 9, 1905: Aerial Ferry Bridge opened in Duluth, Minnesota
The Old Farmer's Almanac www.almanac.com
The Old Farmer's Almanac www.almanac.com
1907 - BIG FIRE AT DULUTH. Damage Figured at $2,268,000 and One Life Believed Lost
DULUTH, Min., Nov. 9.- Fire which started in the Great Northern elevator, at Superior, Wis., about 9 o'clock last night, was brought under control early today, after having destroyed the elevator, three flour mills, forty homes and 700,000 bushels of grain. Two scows, a derrick and two tugs were also destroyed.
The total loss is figured at $2,268,000, including about three-quarters of a million in wheat. All firms except Whitney Brothers, marine contractors, have insurance covering a large proportion of the losses.
One man who entered the plant of the Duluth-Superior Storage Company to rescue a tool chest was not seen again and it is thought he perished in the flames.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 10, 1907
DULUTH, Min., Nov. 9.- Fire which started in the Great Northern elevator, at Superior, Wis., about 9 o'clock last night, was brought under control early today, after having destroyed the elevator, three flour mills, forty homes and 700,000 bushels of grain. Two scows, a derrick and two tugs were also destroyed.
The total loss is figured at $2,268,000, including about three-quarters of a million in wheat. All firms except Whitney Brothers, marine contractors, have insurance covering a large proportion of the losses.
One man who entered the plant of the Duluth-Superior Storage Company to rescue a tool chest was not seen again and it is thought he perished in the flames.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 10, 1907
1910 - BOY IS STRUCK DOWN BY AUTO. Thomas Wood Is Thrown From Bicycle as He Darts in Front of Moving Machine.
Thomas Wood, 10 year old son of T. S. Wood, 1927 East Superior street, had a narrow escape yesterday afternoon from being crushed under the wheels of a large touring car. He owes his life to the skill of the chauffeur. The lad was badly bruised about the body and face.
Thomas was riding east on Superior street yesterday afternoon on a bicycle. Following close behind him was the automobile of H. F. Williamson. When near Nineteenth avenue east the boy essayed to turn up the avenue. As he crossed in front of the machine the automobile struck him throwing him from his bicycle. The motor car was not going fast and was brought to a stop before it crossed the boy's body. When picked up the boy's head was resting against one of the front wheels of the machine. Occupants of the car took him home.
The Duluth News Tribune
Duluth, Minnesota
March 26, 1910
Thomas Wood, 10 year old son of T. S. Wood, 1927 East Superior street, had a narrow escape yesterday afternoon from being crushed under the wheels of a large touring car. He owes his life to the skill of the chauffeur. The lad was badly bruised about the body and face.
Thomas was riding east on Superior street yesterday afternoon on a bicycle. Following close behind him was the automobile of H. F. Williamson. When near Nineteenth avenue east the boy essayed to turn up the avenue. As he crossed in front of the machine the automobile struck him throwing him from his bicycle. The motor car was not going fast and was brought to a stop before it crossed the boy's body. When picked up the boy's head was resting against one of the front wheels of the machine. Occupants of the car took him home.
The Duluth News Tribune
Duluth, Minnesota
March 26, 1910
1913 - Blizzard
Nov 9-11, 1913, one of the worst November storms ever on the Great Lakes. Blizzard in northern MN, 62 mph winds at Duluth, three ships lost on Lake Superior.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Famous Winter Storms
www.dnr.state.mn.us/ climate/ summaries_and_publications/ winter_storms.html
Nov 9-11, 1913, one of the worst November storms ever on the Great Lakes. Blizzard in northern MN, 62 mph winds at Duluth, three ships lost on Lake Superior.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Famous Winter Storms
www.dnr.state.mn.us/ climate/ summaries_and_publications/ winter_storms.html
1916
Duluth, a city and port of entry, the capital of St. Louis co., Minn., is finely situated at the W. end of Lake Superior, at the head of navigation on the Great Lakes, 156 miles NNE. of St. Paul and adjacent to the city of Superior, Wis., on the Northern Pacific and other railroads. Lat. 46° 48' N. ; Ion. 92° 6' W. The site is the slope of a hill which rises gradually from the shore to a height of about 500 feet above the lake. The Boulevard Drive, on an old terrace of the lake, affords a fine view of the surroundings. The harbor, called Duluth Bay, is protected by a narrow piece of land called Minnesota Point, which is several miles long and forms a natural breakwater, through which there is a ship-canal. Duluth contains a number of imposing edifices, and has extensive stock-yards, slaughtering and cold-storage establishments, blast-furnaces, machine- shops, saw- and flouring-mills, and grain-elevators with a capacity of 30,000,000-40,000,000 bushels. It has a large trade in iron and ... Read MORE...
Duluth, a city and port of entry, the capital of St. Louis co., Minn., is finely situated at the W. end of Lake Superior, at the head of navigation on the Great Lakes, 156 miles NNE. of St. Paul and adjacent to the city of Superior, Wis., on the Northern Pacific and other railroads. Lat. 46° 48' N. ; Ion. 92° 6' W. The site is the slope of a hill which rises gradually from the shore to a height of about 500 feet above the lake. The Boulevard Drive, on an old terrace of the lake, affords a fine view of the surroundings. The harbor, called Duluth Bay, is protected by a narrow piece of land called Minnesota Point, which is several miles long and forms a natural breakwater, through which there is a ship-canal. Duluth contains a number of imposing edifices, and has extensive stock-yards, slaughtering and cold-storage establishments, blast-furnaces, machine- shops, saw- and flouring-mills, and grain-elevators with a capacity of 30,000,000-40,000,000 bushels. It has a large trade in iron and ... Read MORE...
1918 - October 12 - Forest fires ravaged parts of Minnesota from the Duluth area northeastward, claiming the lives of 600 persons.
The Weather Channel
October 12, 1918
The Weather Channel
October 12, 1918
1939 - Roof of Duluth Amphitheater collapsed under weight of snow during hockey game
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ mntimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ mntimeln.htm
1941 - March 15-16 - The most severe blizzard in modern history struck North Dakota and Minnesota.
The blizzard hit on a Saturday night while many are traveling, and thus claimed 71 lives. Winds gusted to 75 mph at Duluth MN, and reached 85 mph at Grand Forks ND. Snow drifts twelve feet high were reported in north central Minnesota. A cold front traveling 30 mph crossed Minnesota in just seven hours.
WeatherForYou.com
The blizzard hit on a Saturday night while many are traveling, and thus claimed 71 lives. Winds gusted to 75 mph at Duluth MN, and reached 85 mph at Grand Forks ND. Snow drifts twelve feet high were reported in north central Minnesota. A cold front traveling 30 mph crossed Minnesota in just seven hours.
WeatherForYou.com
1959 - Duluth gained access to Atlantic Ocean with opening of St. Lawrence Seaway
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ mntimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ mntimeln.htm
Duluth is the snowiest place in Minnesota, averaging 86.5 inches (220 cm) per year.
National Weather Service
National Weather Service
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Duluth:
Canal Park: This is the heart of Duluth's entertainment district. It's located on the shores of Lake Superior and offers a picturesque setting with shops, restaurants, and the famous Aerial Lift Bridge.
Aerial Lift Bridge: While you're at Canal Park, make sure to catch the Aerial Lift Bridge in action. It's an iconic symbol of Duluth and a marvel of engineering.
Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center: Learn about the history of shipping on Lake Superior and explore exhibits on maritime history. It's a great place for both adults and kids.
Great Lakes Aquarium: Located in Canal Park, this aquarium features freshwater exhibits that highlight the ecosystems of the Great Lakes region.
Glensheen Mansion: Take a tour of this historic mansion, known for its beautiful architecture and gardens. The estate is located on the shores of Lake Superior and offers a glimpse into Duluth's past.
Enger Park and Tower: For panoramic views of the city and Lake Superior, head to Enger Park.... Read MORE...
Canal Park: This is the heart of Duluth's entertainment district. It's located on the shores of Lake Superior and offers a picturesque setting with shops, restaurants, and the famous Aerial Lift Bridge.
Aerial Lift Bridge: While you're at Canal Park, make sure to catch the Aerial Lift Bridge in action. It's an iconic symbol of Duluth and a marvel of engineering.
Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center: Learn about the history of shipping on Lake Superior and explore exhibits on maritime history. It's a great place for both adults and kids.
Great Lakes Aquarium: Located in Canal Park, this aquarium features freshwater exhibits that highlight the ecosystems of the Great Lakes region.
Glensheen Mansion: Take a tour of this historic mansion, known for its beautiful architecture and gardens. The estate is located on the shores of Lake Superior and offers a glimpse into Duluth's past.
Enger Park and Tower: For panoramic views of the city and Lake Superior, head to Enger Park.... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Duluth Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Duluth, Minnesota, USA
We currently have information about 33 ancestors who were born or died in Duluth.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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