Origin of Lake Superior
Lake Superior is one of North America’s great large lakes, encompassing nearly 82,000 square miles of inland freshwater. It straddles the border of Ontario and Canada, with a vast majority on the U.S. side, including Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Geologically, it is the oldest lake in the world, estimated to be about two billion years old. But when, exactly, did people discover Lake Superior?
Evidence suggests that the first Europeans to view Lake Superior were French explorer Jacques Cartier and his crew in 1534. Cartier on his voyage of exploration stopped at the great lake and mapped the region for the first time. A monument on Minnesota’s Isle Royale now commemorates that visit. Cartier named the lake Lac Superieur, a French version that was English version of its original name, Gichigami, which was the name given to it by the indigenous Ojibwe people.
The wild, vast lake was first described in detail by the French explorer Etienne Brule in 1620 during his travels. Brule was thought to be the first European to have waded ashore on the banks of Lake Superior around what is now Pennsylvania. However, others disagree and contend that French missionary Allouez arrived at the lake several years before Brule arrived. Allouez would have been the first white man to have made contact with the local natives and the first to document their traditions and beliefs.
Early Exploration of Lake Superior
After numerous western expeditions led by European settlers, enabled by newly developed Native American trading networks, in 1671 Father Louis Hennepin was the first European to sail to and explore the lake’s southwestern shore. In 1679, the explorer Daniel Greysolon, the sieur du Lhut, became the first man of European descent to sail an entire journey across Lake Superior. The first large ship to cross the lake was the Le Griffon, a 75-foot long vessel, in 1679 as part of the mission to explore the western Great Lakes.
The fur trade was one of the main reasons why European traders ventured into this region, as animals such as beavers were highly sought after for their precious fur. Several large trading companies, such as the North West Company, were formed during this period, which allowed for further exploration of the the area. The two competing companies were constantly vying for the lucrative fur trading opportunities.
The first known map of Lake Superior was drawn by John Mitchell in 1755 and showed the lake with its various channels, islands, and bays. This map was a key map of the region, and led to further exploration and development of the area.
Industrial Revolution and Development of Lake Superior
The 19th century was a time of significant industrial and economic change, as the industrial revolution brought development to the Great Lakes region. The iron ore deposits found in the area were a huge incentive for companies to set up shop on the Lake Superior coastal communities, leading to the rise of towns such as Ashland, Wisconsin, Duluth, Minnesota, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
The ore would be shipped to steel mill towns on the Great Lakes from these ports on the lake, creating a booming industrial center. By the mid-1800s, steamboats and sailing vessels were commonplace on Lake Superior, navigating the great lake for commercial purposes. Passenger vessels for pleasure travel soon followed suit, leading to tourism as a major industry along the lake’s much-coveted shores.
At the turn of the 20th century, the railway connections to the lake had been made, with rails running from the east coast, through Ontario and Minnesota, down to the western coasts of Wisconsin and Michigan. This enabled the fast transport of goods and passengers to the ports by rail. The Great Lakes region now had a much more efficient means of transportation, and this eventually led to the growth of the ports made possible by rail connections.
Current Status of Lake Superior
Today, Lake Superior is a heavily trafficked lake, with freight and passenger vessels, fishing boats, and pleasure craft filling its waters. It is the largest of the five Great Lakes, and is renowned for its beauty and recreational opportunities. Tourism to the areas of the lake has grown significantly over the years, and it continues to be a popular destination for outdoor activities.
The Lake Superior fishermen harvest valuable species such as walleye, whitefish, perch, and brown trout. The commercial fishing industry is regulated by the state, and only licensed fishermen may legally take part in the activity.
The lake is also home to two national parks, Isle Royale and the Apostle Islands, which help to ensure the preservation of the lake’s amazing ecosystem. In fact, the State of Minnesota has put in place several regulations to protect the lake from any negative effects from human activity, from fuel discharge to shoreline alteration.
Environmental Stewardship for Lake Superior
Environmental stewardship for Lake Superior has grown steadily since the early 1990s, when the International Joint Commission was created to manage water levels across the Great Lakes. Since then, the commission has continually monitored water levels in the lake to protect the delicate ecosystem present around it. The commission also works to reduce nutrient runoff and other pollutants entering the lake, in order to keep it clean and healthy.
There have been many conservation projects undertaken in the Great Lakes region, and Lake Superior has been no exception. The International Lake Superior Board of Control has directed U.S. and Canadian agencies to preserve the lake, but there is still much that needs to be done. Various organizations have worked to restore and protect the lake’s shoreline and educate the public on the importance of lake preservation.
Effects of Climate Change on Lake Superior
Climate change has been another issue of concern for Lake Superior. The lake was one of the first to be affected by warming temperatures, as it has a large surface area, meaning it is more vulnerable to changes in climate. In recent years, the lake has seen drastic changes in water temperatures, levels and the influx of extreme weather. These effects will continue to threaten the Great Lake’s iconic ecosystem, and will present new challenges for the guardians of the lake.
In response to climate change, governments at both the local and international levels have implemented policies and programs to protect the lake and to reduce the impact of global warming. Some of these initiatives include implementing green energy projects, such as wind farms and solar panels, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. There is also increased research being done to understand the effects of climate change on Lake Superior and its marine life, and to prepare for climate risks.
Conservation Efforts on Lake Superior
Conservation efforts on Lake Superior have largely been focused on reducing human disturbance and pollution of its waters. Strict regulations have been put in place to protect the lake and nearby habitats, such as the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area. These initiatives help to prevent unregulated development, which can lead to severe environmental impacts on the lake.
Education and outreach initiatives have also been launched by governments, non-profits and other organizations in order to raise awareness of the importance of Lake Superior and to encourage citizens to be mindful of their actions around the lake and to take steps to reduce their environmental impact. These activities have included beach cleanups, water conservation projects, as well as environmental and cultural programming.
The Future of Lake Superior
The future of Lake Superior is uncertain and ultimately dependent on how the global community addresses the myriad of threats the lake faces. Climate change, pollution, and overfishing are all contributing factors and must be tackled. Governments, non-profits and citizens must work together to protect this precious and fragile ecosystem if we want it to remain a stunning natural wonder.
It is up to each of us to ensure that this great lake remains a place of beauty and abundance for future generations to enjoy. By implementing sustainable practices, such as sustainable agriculture and fishing, green energy projects, and water conservation initiatives, we can preserve the fragile and diverse ecosystem around Lake Superior. In doing so, we can ensure that this iconic and ancient lake remains a vibrant and thriving part of North America.
